CHAMPAIGN, ILL. • Illinois coach Ron Zook told reporters he would end his news conference Tuesday if anyone attempted to ask about his job status. When the question came after 19 minutes of football talk, he made good on the promise.

As speculation swirled about Zook's future in the midst of a four-game losing streak, he bristled on two consecutive days when asked for comment.

New athletics director Mike Thomas has said he will evaluate coaches at the school at the conclusion of their seasons. That hasn't stopped message boards, Twitter and the Champaign News-Gazette from pouncing on the topic as Zook's seventh season nears a conclusion.

School officials "do what they've got to do," Zook told reporters Monday night after practice. "If they want me, I want to stay. If they don't, then we'll go do something else. This is not the time to get into all of that."

When No. 15 Wisconsin visits Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Illinois hopes to avoid becoming the first team among current Division I programs since 1903 to open a season with at least six wins and follow with five losses.

Zook enters that game with a 34-49 record at Illinois and is going for his third winning season. Assuming the Illini play in a bowl game, he is the first coach at the school to take the program to consecutive bowl games since 1991 and '92.

With Joe Paterno's ouster at Penn State, Zook is second in tenure among Big Ten coaches behind Iowa's Kirk Ferentz. His contract, which pays $1.75 million a year, runs through the 2013 season. Illinois would have to pay a $2.8 million buyout.

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said he was unaware of any discussion about Zook's future but doesn't think players are worried about playing for their coach's job.

"Everyone plays for coach Zook every game," he said. "I didn't even know that's what people were saying. … We always tell them not to worry about (public opinion). I sit in a room and game plan all day. Maybe I don't hear as much as they do."

Monday morning's News-Gazette offered this headline in the upper right-hand corner of the sports section: "Is it time to sack Zook?"

That came after a difficult weekend, which included a loss to Michigan, a gunshot wound suffered by starting linebacker Trulon Henry and a police incident involving two freshmen, one of whom was arrested. Henry's injury occurred when he was called to a house party by younger players who wanted a ride home after a fight broke out.

Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning also said he was unaware of speculation of Zook's job. But he said he feels Zook has done a good job with players on and off the field.

"I can relate as a head coach," he said. "It tears your body up inside and out. … He's done a good job casting positive influence to our players. He's never stopped preaching the right things — morals, integrity, doing the right things. Sometimes as a parent, which we are, if you lose sight of those things in lieu of having results, you've probably lost the battle. I'm proud of him being that way."

Zook wasn't as willing to respond to questions on the topic. Asked if he had talked to players about the rumors, Zook admonished the reporter before leaving the podium.

Zook had his biggest season at Illinois in 2007 when he led the Illini to the Rose Bowl. The following year they were 5-7, yet he was given a one-year extension. In 2009, they were 3-9.

Former athletics director Ron Guenther said at the time that five seasons was too soon to make a judgment and gave Zook a vote of confidence. The Illini responded by going 7-6 and winning the Texas Bowl, and he was given a $250,000 raise.

This year's 6-0 start gave way to four consecutive Big Ten losses. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase said the talk is not impacting the team.

"We're pretty insulated," he said. "Fortunately, when we're in the locker room, we don't read stuff on the outside, especially in season. We're just focused on what we need to do and don't worry about the outside noise."

That noise has increased in recent days. Zook could quiet the detractors by beating the Badgers. The Illini finish the regular season at Minnesota.

Until then, it appears the questions will linger.

"I've said before I feel for presidents and head coaches," Koenning said. "Lou Holtz said those are the two most criticized people in America."