Florida won't let Zook coach Gators in Peach Bowl

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - Even if Ron Zook wanted to coach Florida in the Peach Bowl, he won&#39;t get the chance.<br> <br> Athletic director Jeremy Foley said Tuesday that he called Zook to tell him he has coached his last game for the Gators.<br> <br> With Zook who was introduced as Illinois&#39; new coach on Tuesday no longer tied to Florida, new Gators coach Urban Meyer is clear to begin contacting recruits. Meyer will coach Utah in the Fiesta Bowl against Pittsburgh before fully assuming his duties with the Gators.<br> <br> Foley said defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will be named interim coach for Florida&#39;s Dec. 31 Peach Bowl matchup against Miami. The decision was first reported by The Gainesville Sun.<br> <br> Zook had not decided whether to coach Florida&#39;s bowl game, even telling Foley on Monday night that he was still deliberating the choice. Some close to Zook said he was considering sticking around for another chance at Miami, which beat Florida twice under Zook.<br> <br> Foley said Tuesday the school could wait no more for Zook&#39;s answer.<br> <br> A victory against the Hurricanes would have given Zook two big wins in his final two games the Gators beat Florida State to end the regular season and might have raised more questions about the school&#39;s decision to fire him Oct. 25 after just 2.5 seasons.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/12/145712