Earlier today, we noted a report from the Big Ten Network’s Glen Mason regarding the future of Illinois’ current head coach. In the report, Mason claimed that Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther said that not only was Ron Zook safe for the rest of this season, but that he had through the end of the 2010 season to turn the program around.
This is complete reversal of Guenther’s public comments from just a few days ago that Zook would be reviewed at the end of the season to determine his status.
This is not sitting well with the media that covers the Illini on two fronts. One, the fact that it’s a 180-degree turn from what was stated earlier by the administration. And, two, the fact that Guenther will not discuss this about-face with the people who cover the team on a daily basis.
Why avoid the media? Why not back your coach and the decision to keep him? I’ll update later Saturday, but Guenther isn’t showing he knows how to handle the situation any better than Zook and his Illini.