On this date in Gators history: Oct. 25, 2004
Thursday, October 25, 2012 | Football, Chris Harry
UF Coach Ron Zook was fired two days after a 38-31 loss at struggling Mississippi State.
The defeat dropped the Gators to 4-3 on the season and Zook to 20-13 over his three seasons. It also came against a Bulldogs squad that came in 1-5 overall and winless in Southeastern Conference play.
“In the final analysis, it was apparent to me that's something's not working here,” said UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, who announced Zook would be allowed to coach out the season. “I know that's kind of nebulous, but it's the truth. It's hard to put a finger on it exactly, but it certainly didn't appear to be working as we all envisioned.”
With Zook on the sidelines, Florida won three of its final four games -- including the first road win at Florida State since 1986 -- to finish the regular-season 7-4.
Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong assumed interim head coaching duties for the Peach Bowl against Miami.
