Last loss was last straw for Zook, Stephens says

"When I was on the sidelines at our game and heard that score, I said, 'That's the straw that broke the camel's back,' " said Stephens, a former Gators' player and assistant coach.

Stephens was right. On Monday, Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley announced the firing of head coach Ron Zook, effective at the end of the season. Speculation about the next Gators coach centers on Steve Spurrier, who been coy when asked about his interest in the job.

Stephens, who spent nine seasons on Spurrier's staff (1993-2001), said he doesn't talk often to his former boss, but noted that their wives stay in close contact by phone.

"I have no way of knowing what he would do," Stephens said Tuesday.

"I would think it would be an attractive position for him. I haven't talked to anybody down there. I know he has a passion for Florida football. He does have a special place in his heart for that program. It just might challenge his emotions, his ego and everything else to go there and get back on track.

"He had great success and when you look at it, maybe the only place to go is down. But he's a very confident guy and he would do a great job."

Stephens declined to address reports of friction between Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley and Spurrier at the time Spurrier left the program after the 2001 season.

"I know the inside on that, but I don't think I ought to comment," Stephens said with a smile.

If Spurrier did return to Florida, would he offer Stephens a chance to return? That could be invaluable to the Gators because of his inside knowledge of the Vols' system. Stephens grew up in Florida, played for the Gators and coached there until Spurrier left.

Stephens made it clear he isn't hunting for a job and added he "counts his blessings" every day that he is on UT's staff.

While Zook's firing has led many observers to comment it could be a crippling blow to the Gators' recruiting, Stephens isn't so sure.

"I'm a little surprised by the timing of it, that it happened this early,'' Stephens said. "Who knows what's really behind it and why it happened this early? That's not for me to speculate.

"They have always had good athletes every year with Spurrier's crew and Zook's crew. Whenever he (Zook) came in there and said they didn't have any athletes, is a crock. His record his first two years was better than his third year.

"It (recruiting) could go either way. It hurts right now because of the indecision, but nobody can sign anything until February. They are going to have somebody by then ... It could jump-start that whole recruiting by somebody with a big name coming in there."

Stephens said Spurrier's shadow would have made it difficult for any coach to succeed.

"It's hard to keep people satisfied because people get spoiled very, very easily,'' Stephens said. "You have to look at reality sometimes and not think that every year is going to be a championship year.

"Coach Zook didn't do all that bad of a job. My gosh, look at the record and how many close games there were."

Gary Lundy may be reached at 865-342-6274.