(Sports) Editor's Note

Guenther Q&A

Posted by: Jim Rossow

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 8:42 AM

Loren Tate got Ron Guenther before the Illinois AD jetted to California for a 24-hour Rose Bowl planning expedition. Interesting stuff as always from Guenther, who still is scheduled to stay on the job for another year. A portion of their conversation:

LT: You recently approved a raise for Zook. Did this discourage others from inquiring about his availability? Has any other athletic director asked to speak to him?
RG: We both feel good about his new five-year contract. I haven't received any calls, and I don't expect any. We are competitive in terms of salary. It's a fragile business, and you want to make sure the coach is sincere. I feel good about our relationship.

LT:Will the coaches receive a bonus for reaching the Rose Bowl?
RG:There is a bonus package for all the coaches based on our regular bowl formula.

LT:OK, Ron, be honest. Are you ready for a football playoff?
RG:Absolutely not. I don't think college football has ever been healthier. There's already enough pressure on the coaches and players. We don't need a playoff. All that tells is who's best in the two or three weeks at the end. A playoff would lead to a deterioration of regular season play. As it is now, every week is big, and we have a lot of bowls that are meaningful to the teams playing in them.

-Thanks for all the fotos from the '84 Rose Bowl.
-Get your online chat questions in now
-Our first Rose Bowl special section will run in the Dec. 27 N-G

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