Ron Zook
Head Coach
PERSONAL
Hometown: Loudonville, OH
Birthday: April 28
Family: Wife: Denise
Daughters: Jacquelyn and Casey
Education: B.S., Comprehensive Science - Miami (OH) University, 1976
Playing Experience: Miami (OH) University, 1973-75
Bowl Games:
Rose Bowl, 2008; Outback Bowl, 2004; Outback Bowl, 2003; Fiesta Bowl, 1996; Sugar Bowl, 1995; Sugar Bowl, 1994; Gator Bowl, 1992; Sugar Bowl, 1992; Hall of Fame Bowl, 1990; Liberty Bowl, 1990; Liberty Bowl, 1986; Sugar Bowl, 1986; Sun Bowl, 1984
FAVORITES
Favorite Hobby: Waterskiing
Favorite Place to Visit: Lake Weir
Favorite Artist: Bob Seger
Favorite Professional Football Team: Where ever my former players are playing
Favorite Thing about Football: Coaching - seeing people reach their goals.
Favorite Thing about Champaign-Urbana: The people, they're great!
Favorite Quote: "If you can't do it right the first time, when are you gonna have time to do it over?"
Biggest Motivation: My three girls (wife and daughters)
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COACH ZOOK
"He's a real high energy guy and he's going to get the players to play fast. He'll run a little no-huddle offense and try to speed the game up in the Big Ten a little bit. I think it will help them give people trouble in the Big Ten. I know he is going to do great."
- Rex Grossman, former Florida and current Washington Redskin quarterback
"Ron has tremendous energy, commitment and drive to be successful. He understands the game very well and can communicate to players on every level. He has worked on all levels and has coached many areas. Players respond to Ron, they respect Ron, and it is clear that his path has been one of success."
- Jim Haslett, former New Orleans Saints head coach and current Washington Redskins defensive coordinator
EXPERIENCE
2005-Present: University of Illinois (head coach)
2002-04: University of Florida (head coach)
2000-01: New Orleans Saints (defensive coordinator)
1999: Kansas City Chiefs (defensive secondary)
1996-98: Pittsburgh Steelers (special teams)
1995: University of Florida (associate head coach / special teams coordinator / nickelbackers / strong safeties)
1994: University of Florida (special teams coordinator / nickelbackers)
1991-93: University of Florida (defensive coordinator / secondary)
1988-90: Ohio State University (secondary)
1987: Virginia Tech (defensive coordinator / assistant head coach)
1984-86: University of Tennessee (secondary)
1983: University of Kansas (defensive coordinator)
1981-82: University of Cincinnati (defensive coordinator)
1978-80: Murray State University (secondary)
1976-77: Orrville High School (head coach)
For more information on Coach Zook, click HERE.
