Marv Cook said Thursday he likes Iowa City Regina and is not interested in becoming the new football coach at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

"It's a non-story, in my opinion," he told the Metro Sports Report. "I'd like to diffuse this thing as much as possible. I'm not looking for other work."

Cook visited Jefferson last week, sparking stories and speculation that he might be interested in succeeding Jim Womochil as head coach of the struggling J-Hawks.

Cook met with Jefferson athletic director Scott Kibby and other school administrators during his visit.

"I was asked if I would take the time and come and visit with Scott and the administration and look around, and so I did," he said. "I'm somewhat disappointed that it's gotten so blown out of proportion, because we really haven't had any discussions regarding that (job opening).

"I just went up and had that visit and asked some questions and stuff like that, but there's really nothing to it."

Cook said he routinely visits other schools around the state, mostly on fact-finding visits to see how other schools operate and how he might improve as a coach.

Cook has compiled a 59-5 record in five years at Iowa City Regina with two Class 2A state titles. Regina is dropping to Class 1A in 2012, but Cook said he's not bothered by the lower classification and is not looking for a new job.

Cook told the Metro Sports Report in November of 2010 that he was not interested in leaving Regina to become the new head coach at Cedar Rapids Prairie, which was looking for a new coach. At that time, Cook said he really liked Regina and noted that all three of his children are students in the Regina school system.

"Nothing has changed from my perception and where I'm at," he said Thursday. "Nothing has changed as far as where I fit right now. It's a non-story, in my opinion."

Cook's oldest child, Drew, is a ninth grader at Regina and a member of the football program.

"I'm exactly where I was two years ago," Cook said, referring to his lack of interest in the opening at Prairie. "But now I actually get to spend two more hours a day with my son than I normally was able to."

Cook said he relies heavily on his coaching staff at Regina and noted it would be impractical to ask all of them to commute to Cedar Rapids Jefferson. "That would be impossible," he said.

Cook made it clear he would not accept a job offer from Jefferson, if it's made.

"It's not in the cards," he said. "My kids are at Regina, and I coach at Regina and I can't see myself leaving. I don't see that ever happening. I can't say this enough: I'm a part of what's good at Regina right now."

Cook is a partner in the Marsh Cook Investment Group, with an office in Coralville. He does not teach at Regina.

Cook also said he's not interested in applying for a coaching job with the Iowa Hawkeyes, who are currently looking for additional assistants. Cook, 45, was an All-American tight end at Iowa and an all-pro tight end for the New England Patriots.

Most college coaches work long hours, both coaching and recruiting. Cook said that lifestyle is not for him. "I enjoy seeing my kids and my wife," he said.

Cook said he's flattered Jefferson invited him for a visit.

"The last thing I want to do is give a black eye to Jefferson," he said. "I don't want it to be perceived that way. They've been nothing but professional in the visit I had with them.

"Obviously I'm thrilled to be mentioned for a job like that. They have great tradition and obviously need to get it back up to where they want to be competitive again.

"I'm flattered they called, and out of respect for the tradition at Jefferson and for Scott Kibby I felt it was something I should do and have that conversation."