GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Steve Spurrier won't return to coach the Florida Gators.
Spurrier removed his name from consideration Thursday to replace Ron Zook, who was fired last week after the latest in a series of embarrassing losses. Zook was hired at Florida after the 2001 season, when Spurrier left the Gators to coach the Washington Redskins.
"When I departed three years ago, there were several reasons why I believed it was time to move on," Spurrier said in a statement released by the school. "Other than simply wanting to coach in the NFL someday, I also believed that 12 years at Florida was probably long enough. Many people in football believe that around 10-12 years in the same job is about the maximum time a coach should stay."
Florida fired Zook Oct. 25 after two-plus years. Zook and his staff will finish out the season; according to one report, the university will buy out Zook's contract at $450,000 for each of the remaining four years.
The Gators won six Southeastern Conference championships and the 1996 national title under Spurrier. He posted 122 victories over 12 seasons, tormented opponents with his offensive flair and witty one-liners, and left town with the best winning percentage in league history.
Spurrier said athletic director Jeremy Foley called him several times this week to set up a meeting after the season with him and school president Bernie Machen.
"They were obviously making an effort to meet with me," Spurrier said.
Spurrier resigned from the Redskins after last season. Washington went 12-20 in two seasons under Spurrier, losing 10 of the last 12.
from what i hear out of chicago, Illinois may try to take a stab at Spurrier, but i think the money issue would hold them back. but who knows, alot of Allumni were calling into the show saying they would do whatever it takes to get that program back up and running.
Spurrier removed his name from consideration Thursday to replace Ron Zook, who was fired last week after the latest in a series of embarrassing losses. Zook was hired at Florida after the 2001 season, when Spurrier left the Gators to coach the Washington Redskins.
"When I departed three years ago, there were several reasons why I believed it was time to move on," Spurrier said in a statement released by the school. "Other than simply wanting to coach in the NFL someday, I also believed that 12 years at Florida was probably long enough. Many people in football believe that around 10-12 years in the same job is about the maximum time a coach should stay."
Florida fired Zook Oct. 25 after two-plus years. Zook and his staff will finish out the season; according to one report, the university will buy out Zook's contract at $450,000 for each of the remaining four years.
The Gators won six Southeastern Conference championships and the 1996 national title under Spurrier. He posted 122 victories over 12 seasons, tormented opponents with his offensive flair and witty one-liners, and left town with the best winning percentage in league history.
Spurrier said athletic director Jeremy Foley called him several times this week to set up a meeting after the season with him and school president Bernie Machen.
"They were obviously making an effort to meet with me," Spurrier said.
Spurrier resigned from the Redskins after last season. Washington went 12-20 in two seasons under Spurrier, losing 10 of the last 12.
from what i hear out of chicago, Illinois may try to take a stab at Spurrier, but i think the money issue would hold them back. but who knows, alot of Allumni were calling into the show saying they would do whatever it takes to get that program back up and running.
