CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The University of Illinois Tuesday named Ron Zook as its new football coach.
Zook, 50, who was relieved of a similar post at Florida last month, succeeds the fired Ron Turner, who had three consecutive losing seasons, including this year's 3-8.
Turner, younger brother of Oakland Raiders coach Norv Turner, compiled a 35-57 record in eight years at the Big Ten school with just two winning campaigns.
At Florida, Zook had an overall mark of 23-14, 16-8 in the SEC. His 23 wins at the school ranked second among active coaches in their third year in the same program.
"You have my word we will never be out-worked," Zook said. "We're going to do this thing the right way. I'm also excited to meet the team."
Florida was his first head coaching job after 24 years as an assistant on both the collegiate and pro levels.
The Gators (7-4) will play Miami in the Peach Bowl Dec. 31.
