Gators hire Zook to replace Spurrier

(Gainesville, Florida-AP) -- The word is that the Florida Gators have hired New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Ron Zook to replace Steve Spurrier. <br><br>Saints coach Jim Haslett made the announcement

Wednesday, January 9th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Gainesville, Florida-AP) -- The word is that the Florida Gators have hired New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Ron Zook to replace Steve Spurrier.

Saints coach Jim Haslett made the announcement last night as has the Gainesville Sun. The paper says the 47-year-old Zook will be introduced as Florida's 20th head coach at a news conference today.

Athletic director Jeremy Foley hasn't commented. But he met with Zook for about two hours yesterday in New Orleans after Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan turned down the job.

Zook used to be the Gators' defensive coordinator before Spurrier demoted him to special teams coordinator and linebackers coach in 1994.