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Explaining the trend of college football coaches fired midseason

When former Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley fired Ron Zook on Oct. 25, 2004 -- smack in the middle of the season -- the timing seemed shocking.

Following another disappointing loss in the post-Steve Spurrier era, the Gators were hovering above .500 at 4-3 and No. 10 Georgia was looming. When Foley made the decision, he said, "Whatever must happen ultimately, must happen immediately."

That quote has since been repeated and attributed to Foley throughout the state of Florida whenever a disgruntled fan base wants a coach out. While it likely originates with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Foley might have unknowingly encouraged a trend.