Zook: Now 'not the time' to talk job status
CHAMPAIGN — The message boards are buzzing. The radio talk-show lines are ringing.
The subject: Ron Zook's future at Illinois. The seventh-year coach isn't participating in the talk.
"I'm not going to get into it," Zook said. "My issue is these last two weeks and this football team."
Watch the interview on our HQ Facebook page here
After a 6-0 start, the assumption was that all was well for 2012. That was followed by a four-game losing streak, which started the chatter again.
"If they want me, I want to stay," Zook said. "If they don't, then we'll go do something else."
Zook has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him $1.75 million annually.
"(Now is) not the time," Zook said.
When is the time?
"Whenever something happens, if it happens," Zook said.
The Illini end the regular season with a home game Saturday against No. 15 Wisconsin, which is trying to stay in the race for the Leaders Division title, and at 2-8 Minnesota on Nov. 26. The Gophers, who opened the season 1-6, upset Iowa on Oct. 29 and played Legends leader Michigan State within a touchdown the following week. The Illinois-Minnesota game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and be televised on the BTN.
Yeah now is not a good time to talk firing. Two years ago in 2009 would have been much better. With Zook that sore subject (for Him) is never a good time and he is still in denial wondering why the Illini are crumbling and maybe still wondering what the season record is. He won't have to wonder, be confused or coach ineptly anymore for much longer as his retirement (firing) is imminent.
Time for Zook to go. The guy is rattled and knows he will be canned.
Bob Asmussen: "There's noise out there about your future, do you pay any attention to that stuff?"
Ron Zook: "No. Why? Why?"
Bob Asmussen: "Wh-"
Ron Zook: "You know, I'm not going to get into it, Bob. My issue is these last two weeks, and this football team. They do what they do, they do what they gotta do."
Bob Asmussen: "But you've enjoyed your time here. You like it here. I mean, you want to stay here right? I mean, that's pretty fair to say."
Ron Zook: "If they want me I'm going to stay, if they don't then we'll go do something else. I'm not.. This is not the time to get into all that, Bob."
Bob Asmussen: "No, okay."
Ron Zook: "Well then why you bring it up?"
Bob Asmussen: "I just want to know what you think about it."
Ron Zook: "Well.. Bob."
Bob Asmussen: "Well-"
Ron Zook: "Bob. Bob. Not the time."
Bob Asmussen: "When is the time?"
Ron Zook: "Whenever something happens, if someting happens."
Bob Asmussen: "Okay. That's fair."
Ron Zook: "Thank you."
Starts at 2:32 @ illinoishomepage.net
Video: Ron Zook abruptly ends press conference when reporter asks about his future
RT @BobAsmussen Kent Brown said Ron Zook will answer only football questions.
RT @studurando Ron Zook threatens to end press conference if asked about his future. #zook
RT @AaronB_WCIA ...And @sryantribune gets the award for ending Zook's presser early #Illini
RT @studurando Zook walked out when @sryantribune asked a question referencing rumors of his future. It was a fair question. #zook
RT @WernerConnectFM #illini Zook ended presser after @sryantribune asked him if he tells his players what to do if asked about his future or how to ignore it
RT @sryantribune #Illini HC Zook not happy I asked how he handles rumors about his job w/ team. Pointed, stared, and walked out-as said he would if asked.
RT @WernerConnectFM And yes, @sryantribune got the Bob stare-down from Zook.
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