Letters to Foley (week starting 12/9/2002)
Damn I love this first letter. Thanks Jeff.
Dear Mr. Foley,
Thanks a bunch for the outstanding job you've done with the UF athletic program in general and the football program in particular. Even though some UF alumni questioned the hiring of Coach Zook I think it was a stroke of genius! While Coach Spurrier did have some success in his years at UF, I think the everyday aspiring coach, like myself, was annoyed with all those multple formations, aubibles, and the dizzying pass patterns that the receivers would continually run. Not to mention those darn hand signals the quarterbacks would use!! I could never figure out what the heck those even meant!!
But now, thanks to Coach Zook and Coach Zaunbrecher, things are so much easier to understand now. Running the same 8 plays over and over from 3 formations is so much less confusing for the erstwhile fan. I mean, now the everyday joe can dream he's the coach of the Gators and there will actually be a thread of plausibility to it! I can never thank Coach Zook enough for that surge of pride I felt when Rex Grossman lined up in the shotgun and I predicted the tight end was getting the ball just by the way he lined up....Wow, what a rush!! I could never do that with Spurrier's offense! Furthermore, figuring out whether it's gonna be a pass or a run is a total snap now!! That darn Spurrier.....you never could know what he was up to!!
Now I know some fans are a little miffed at the 8-4 record, But, you know, all those SEC championships and endless weeks in the Top 10 were getting trite anyway. Let someone else win for a change. Heck, did you see how happy those LSU fans were when they beat us in the Swamp?? That's what football's all about...sharing the fun.
Anyhow, I just wanted to let y'all know...you're doing a great job! My Pop Warner also thanks you....they were so thrilled when they realized they were running the same offense as the mighty Florida Gators!! Keep up the good work!!! Hmmm, I see an Independence Bowl in our future!!!
Sincerely,
Jeff from Fort Pierce, Florida.
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Mr. Foley,
I am a UF alum, and local Gainesville business owner. I've had the pleasure of meeting you as well as Ron zook and Steve Spurrier and many other coaches at Napolatanos on more than one occasion.
I don't believe you had many alternatives before choosing Ron to fill suddenly vacant shoes.
Nevertheless it is my opinion that Coach Zook does not posess the ability to coach at this level and meet the standard of success firmly established by Coach Spurrier.
If Coach Zook recruits as well as he is reputed to do, perhaps the program will not suffer as much as we the fans for a few "trial" years.
To believe however, that Coach Zook could possibly lead a Gator team back to Atalanta and beyond, (especially with Ed Zaunbrecher) is to be unrealsitically positive.
Please consider a change. More of the same in '03 will be sadly disasterous. If Zook is to remain in '03, please...please, replace Zaunbrecher. Kudos to coach Thompson.
The Gator Nation must never accept mediocrity.
sincerely,
Chuck R
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Dear Mr. Foley,
In football, what you did was "drop the ball" aka FUMBLE. Football, maybe you've heard of it? Florida used to be pretty good at it. Until you dropped the ball with your hiring of Ron Zook.
I appreciate your loyalty to your buddy...really. I think it's sweet. However, you may have failed to realize that you actually needed to get a good coach to win championships in this "football" you seemed to have never heard of. You could've gotten a big name coach. You could've gotten a not-so-big-name coach that was high on talent. What about Charlie Strong, defensive coordinator at South Carolina? How about Mike Stoop, O. Coordinator at Oklahoma. Why did you go after Tyrone Willingham, we all see what he can do with a far less talented team than our beloved Gators.
No my friend, we just had to have that dynamo of a defensive coordinator that allowed about forty points per game at New Orleans. When I turned on my TV that fateful day, I expected to hear about you pursuing a good coach. But you had to hire your buddy, and betray countless Gator fans.
But I guess that doesn't matter, you haven't even really heard of football.
Bleeding Blue and Orange despite your ignorance,
Bryan H
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Jeremy,
From my view, UF is loaded with talent. I believe that Rex Grossman would have won the Heisman this year under Spurrier. We were loaded with talent and should have competed for the national championship. Thanks to Auburn missing a field goal or we would be 7-5.
Ron Zook seems like a very nice person. I wont be facetious by adding that FSU coaches and fans agree with me. By some miracle, we beat Georgia. However, let me relay a comment from a high school football coach where I live that is from Georgia: “We sincerely hope that Florida will keep Ron Zook and give him a chance.” He was obviously being facetious.
The handwriting is on the wall. Keep Zook, and we will lose to Georgia next year. In fact, I predict that we will actually have a losing season next year under Zook. And, if you want to keep him for a third year, we will likely have a record of 4-8.
Yes, Ron is a nice guy. If you keep Ron at the helm I suppose that means that you are a nice guy too. Dumb, but nice.
The obvious choice to replace Spurrier was Bob Stoops. No one knows, but I would be willing to bet that you insulted him with the offer that you made. Gators football would not have missed a beat under Stoops.
It is time that you make the right decision. You know what it is so show some guts and just do it.
Bear Bryant once said, “if those folks down there ever get someone that knows what he is doing we are all in trouble.” Well, we now have someone who obviously is above his head. Remember also, that Gator recruiting will sharply decline under the status quo.
Mr. President, perhaps it is time……
J.D.
North Augusta, SC
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Dear Mr. Foley,
This year has been a very, and I stress very disapointing year for the Florida Gator football team. Everyone knew that Ron Zook couldn't achieve what Spurrier did, but we did not expect this at all. I mean come on, the outback bowl, a heisman hopeful gone to crap. If Grossman were smart he should have left with Spurrier to the NFl when he had a chance of actually being drafted in a round before the 4th. Now, he will probably end up being an undrafted free agent, and get picked up by someone such as the bengals. My advice, which, probably doesnt mean much to someone like you, comming from a fifteen year old from orlando florida, is to try to fnd someone else that actually wants to run a little offense and cover the defense a little better. Zook is supposed to be a defensive coach but he allowed how many points against FSU? That's all I have to say but if you don't fell the need to fire Ron Zook, then i think you need to look for another job yourself.
Thanks Alot,
A Spurrier Fan
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Dear Mr. Foley:
As an alumnus of the University of Florida I was disappointed when Steve Spurrier resigned as head coach of the Gator football team; however, when esteemed names and proven coaches were rumored as candidates for the head coaching job I was more than a little enthused. By esteemed names I am referring to Mike Shannahan, Bob Stoops and John Gruden. Any of the aforementioned coaches would have built on Steve Spurriers legacy and instead of playing a meaningless bowl game the Gators would have accepted their annual invitation to a BCS game emblamatic of their status amonst the elite of college football. When you did not recieve an immediate acceptance from one of these coaches without delay you went and hired an individual with NO head coaching experience at any level (including Pop Warner). When Ron Zook was the defensive coordinator at Florida we played an antiquated 4-4-3 defense which allowed teams to pass on us at will and forced Spurrier to outscore opponents in virtually every game. Noting the error in Zook's strategy Spurrier immediately demoted him and hired Bob Stoops to coach the defense and low and behold we immediately improved our pass coverage leading to a national championship in 1996 and a consistent positionn in the top 5 of virtually every poll. Furthermore, as defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints prior to his failed tenure with the Gators Mr. Zooks defense relinquished over 40 points in 5 of his last 7 games an NFL record for defensive futility. I am miffed at your decision to hire Ron Zook. In an interview 18 months ago Florida was determined to be the most coveted college coaching job given the resources, tradition, stadium, ability to recruit, fan/alumni support, weather and salary potential. With all of these factors on our side I am sure you could have hired a coach with a proven track record as well as a recognizeable name. Notre Dame executed this plan upon hiring Dick Willingham from Stanford and it has paid immediate dividends as evidenced by the teams 10-2 record following years of mediocrity. The Gators on the otherhand went from a near national title and final #3 ranking to a mediocre 8-4 and an Outback Bowl invitation. Furthermore, Rex Grossman went from one of the best years any quarterback has ever enjoyed to a year characterized by inconsistency. Mr. Grossman has hurt his prospects with the NFL and has regressedd dramatically in his play. As I am sure you remember lat year he was the AP Player of the Year and a runner up for the Heisman Trophy, this year his name is not discussed in these lofty circles although his competitors in 2001 (such as Ken Dorsey) will make another strong run at the Heisman and another national title. I urge you to replace Zook with a more appropiate choice immediately or risk further alienation by the alumni who will begin to withhold support of your program. In basketball Billy Donovan is clearly one of the premier coaches in the NCAA and I believe our Football Program deserves the same quality coach rather than the failed assistant you have given us. Your reckless choice of Ron Zook gave the alumni who are the life blood of the program absolutely no thought, furthermore you shirked your responsibiltiy to act in the best interest of the University. I am not alone in my thoughts as well over 300,000 people have hit the site Fireronzook.com, this is not an anamoly but an outpouring of emotion to right our ship. If you disregard the wishes of the students, fans and alumni it will only be a short while until they are calling for your job. Please act now and restore our football team to national prominence.
Sincerely,
Curtis P
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Mr. Foley,
I am writing in response to this years football season. Although I realize 8-4 and second in the SEC East is not as bad as many other programs in the country. This type of record however has become sub-par at the University of Florida, at least to the fans and Alumni.
As I have read from other Gator Fans , I too would like to commend you for the work you did in hiring Coach Donovan for the UF basketball program. I could have only hoped and dreamed you would have shown the same level of enthusiasm in selecting a LEADER of our beloved football program. I am human and realize we all make mistakes, but part of that is admitting that we have made mistakes. I too also realize that it was/is Coach Zook's first time at the helm. Does that mean we should give him a break? Maybe if this was Florida A&M, or Central Florida, maybe even if this was Kentucky, but it's not. He has poorly represented the University of Florida as head coach. Think of all the recruits that Miami and Florida State will get now because of his lack of commitment.
Did Coach Zook have some success? I wouldn't be a decent, fair person if I said no. I believe yes in fact he did, Tennessee and Georgia to be specific. Unfortunately he did not keep the morale from those two games into less than decent performances against Ole Miss and LSU. In my opinion two less than par SEC teams.(Yes I realize LSU won the SEC last year, however at 9-3. Not exactly a great SEC record) Then to make some really poor decisions against FSU, well that was just embarrassing to know that I invited friends to my home to watch pay-per view and see that performance. If Zook was this supposed "special teams guru", why couldn't Leach hit a simple 26 yard field goal this year? I am sure he was the poorest kicker in recent times at UF. Why then was our punting the most deplorable in recent memory? I am sure there are other contributing factors, but I strongly feel like it was due to the lack of experience in LEADING a team. Ron Zook was demoted in Spurrier's system for a reason, I feel confident that there was a reason and this reason is why our Gators finished the regular season 8-4.
I would ask and hope that one you actually read this message, but two that you take my words and the words of other Gator Alumni and fans alike and reconsider who should LEAD the Gator Football Program in the years to come.
Respectfully,
Brian O
New Orleans, LA
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Mr. Foley,
I am a Class of 2000 graduate of the University of Florida.
I was one the original legit fans in Gainesville during Billy Ball's unveiling his original season 1996. I commended your decision to take a chance on this young, unproven Head Coach then and I do so today. You deserve credit for that and nobody can take that away. However, unfortunately, you know where I'm heading.
I am not one of these irrational, vulgar, slur-throwing, Ron Zook haters. I am just a very depressed member of the Gator Nation. I know deep down you have to agree that Ron Zook was the wrong man for the job. You have to be doubting yourself. It's natural. Any human being would. I also know that its only been one season and the system takes time to implement. But it's not gonna get better. Please have the courage to correct this mistake before Zook can further destroy what was built during the last 10 great years.
I wouldn't write this letter if I though maybe, just maybe, things could get better in the next two years. THEY CANNOT. I will not throw stats and game situations people are still complaining about to you. No specific X's and O's. Because I'm sure you've got plenty of people with more football experience and know-how telling you Zook and his staff are inept On the Field. I will paint a different picture Off the Field.
Here it is plain and simple:
What kid out of South Florida or even Jacksonville or Orlando would in his right mind choose to play for Zook over Larry Coker and the University of Miami. They can reload and compete for a National Championship on the players they get in Florida alone. If I was a high school senior from say Miami Southridge or Norland or any Miami High School powerhouse program, you know what his coaches are saying to him right now was recruiting really intensifies.
"Yes, Gainesville is beautiful, fun and filled with great college experiences. Not to mention playing in the Swamp. But you want to get a chance to showcase NFL talent. Zook and his coaches cannot do that for you son. UM and Coker can and will."
End of Ballgame. UM gets the Blue Chips. FSU gets the solid, 4-star players and Zook and Red Anderson get the 3-star leftovers. I don't fault Zook and his staff. God knows some of this is Steve's fault as he really eased up and thought his brain could get UF by. And mostly, it did. But he is gone as you know too well. Zook and his staff are in over their heads. They may appear to have the experience and the know- how to lead us out of these dark days, but they Do NOT. I know they are nice men who are your friends so that makes this all much more difficult. I wish they could succeed. But they cannot. Not this offseason and certainly not next season when we probably lose Rex, Taylor, Kewain, Bam Hardmon, Mike Nattiel. Ian Scott and Todd Johnson just to name a few. We are rebuilding. And that sucks. Elite schools don't rebuild.
Take a chance on UM's Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinsky before some other lame Big East or Pac Ten school steals him. Or simply Make Marvin Lewis a better offer than Michigan State did. And maybe, just maybe he can bring some of the assistants and credibility Steve stole back to the town they all love.
Its really simple. Florida is a place for SEC and National Championships, not excuses.
Bradley R
Aventura, FL
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Dear Mr. Foley:
January 4th of last year was one of the most depressing days of my life, as Im sure it was for most of the Gator Community. I believe the only day that was more depressing was when you named Ron Zook the head coach. I have been a huge football fan both college and pro since I've known what football was, and my first reaction was WHO?


? After I did a little more research about Ron Zook, the only question I still had was WHO?




?? However I did not jump on the Fire Ron Zook bandwagon that quick. I gave him a chance for the whole season. He had some great wins and some good games. Not even Spurrier won in Doak Campbell, however this is GATOR FOOTBALL !!!!!!!!!!!!! We are supposed to be fighting for a National Championship every year, not accepting an Outback Bowl Bid, and saying we had some good wins. I lost all respect for Zook after watching the Georgia-Auburn game. Knowing we had no chance of playing in the SEC title game even with a win is not acceptable. I have never seen the Gator Community more down after a win in my life. I put that squareley on the shoulders of Zook, the crowds in The Swamp are pathetic, you can hear the visitors more then our own team, and again 100% on Zook. Please do not give him another year, he has never and will never prove himself, another year will do nothing but make the greatest football program in college football a middle of the road team. If and when you do hire a coach that will keep this tradition going and get the Greatest Fans in the World back in The Swamp, it'll be too late if you give him one more year. Please do it NOW and do whatever it takes to get a coach that will bring Gator Dominance back to the forefront.
Jason (Gator Fan and Alum)