Ron Zook fired; AD Mike Thomas press conference recap

Mike Thomas informed zook of firing in a face to face meeting this morning.
studurando

SID says Zook may not take questions at his press conference. Koenning, the interim coach, isn't available today.
Mike Thomas: "Difficult decision" to fire Zook. Evaluated Zook last 3 months. After assessment, it was time for new leadership
Mike Thomas: Met with Ron Zook this morning and informed him of the decision. Zook later met with coaches and players.
Mike Thomas: "Ron Zook is a fine human being. ...If it were about Ron the person, he'd be worth a lifetime contract."
Mike Thomas: "The process begins immediately. It's my hope that that concludes as soon as possible." Can't give exact timeline
Mike Thomas: "I'm not going to get into naming names" of candidates. Next time you'll hear from Thomas is announcement of new coach
Mike Thomas: At this point, he's not planning on using a search firm.
Mike Thomas: "My history more leans toward head coaches but I would tell you this is an open process" open to assistants
Mike Thomas: lot of things go into decision. "For me, you have to have success in your own conference."
Mike Thomas mentions that under Zook the team had about a 33% win percentage in #B1G and only winning record against one team
Mike Thomas: Assistants' "fate isn't determined by me. It's determined by the new head coach."
Mike Thomas: Attendance more abt competitive success and losing than the economy. "This program you have to feel like there's hope."
Mike Thomas: "I've had to do this ... twice. You have to deal with (competition for coaches) somewhat." But ILL has lots to sell
Mike Thomas: Salary for coach "depends on the coach and where you end up." Salaries going up, need to keep up to be competitive
Mike Thomas: Zook's buyout is $2.6 million buyout - all comes from DIA funds, not University
Mike Thomas: "Why can't Illinois be good at everything? And that includes football."
Mike Thomas: "Might be some commonality" with coaching search list from two years ago at Cincy but changes over time
Mike Thomas: told assistants to recruit as if they still had their jobs next year. "Business as usual."
Mike Thomas: "Project a strong word. There's some tweaking. ...I don't think this is a reclamation project."
Mike Thomas: Hiring "extremely" critical for his time at UI
WernerConnectFM

Thomas plans to reach out to Illinois' verbal commits for 2012 and will honor all commits for the class.
Illinois AD Thomas on Zook dismissal: "Coach Zook was great. We both left the room very positive. That wouldn't surprise me with Ron."
ESPN_BigTen

#illini MT: came to final conclusion last night to fire Zook
cwesterlund5