If nothing else, this has the potential to be historically and epically entertaining.
This afternoon, CoachingSearch.com first reported that Ron Zook is on LSU’s radar to fill its vacancy at defensive coordinator. The Tigers are in the midst of a search for a new coordinator on that side of the ball after John Chavis left for the same position at Texas A&M.
Zook is currently the assistant special teams coach of the Green Bay Packers, but he’s more known, for better or worse, for his work at the collegiate level.
Florida’s head coach from 2002-04 and Illinois’ from 2005-11, Zook was fired from both jobs with a combined record of 57-65. Zook last served as a defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints in 2000-2001.
His last job as a coordinator at the collegiate level was more than two decades ago at Florida (1991-93). His last college job came with the Illini, a tenure that was punctuated by Zook walking out on a press conference after he was asked about his job status late in a season in which he became the first -- and only -- FBS team to start 6-0 and end the regular season at 6-6.
Les Miles and Zook on the same coaching staff and on the same field on game day? Yes, please, sign me up.
In addition to Zook, other names connected to LSU’s opening include Penn State’s Bob Shoop (staying with Nittany Lions), Oklahoma’s Mike Stoops (never a serious candidate) and Clemson’s Brent Venables (received new contract). According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Miles decided against hiring Clancy Pendergast after interviewing him last week.