TIGERJC
12-26-2009, 07:25 PM
This is sad day for the gator nation and I wish him the best of luck when it comes to his health problems.
GAINESVILLE - Urban Meyer announced in a press released by the school that he is stepping down as head coach of the University of Florida football team.
"I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,'' said Meyer in a statement. "I have ignored my health for years, butrecent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.
"After consulting with my family, Dr. (Bernie) Machen, (athletic director) Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family. I'm proud to be a part of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation and I plan to remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida.
"I'm very appreciative for the opportunity I've had to be a part of a tremendous institution - from Dr. Machen to Jeremy Foley and the entire administrative staff at UF. I'm also very thankful for the chance to work with some of the best assistants in college football and coach some of the best college football players and watch them grow both on and off the field as people. I will cherish the relationships with them the most.''
Meyer will coach his last game for UF in the Gators' Sugar Bowl match-up vs. Cincinnati on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.
"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,'' said Foley in a statement. "But, the bottom line is that Coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship.''
"Urban Meyer's integrity, work ethic and commitment to his players are some of the reasons we asked him to become head football coach at the University of Florida,'' said Machen, who first hired Meyer at Utah in 2003, the year before he came to UF. "As a Gator, Urban has done everything we asked of him and more. He leaves alasting legacy on the field, in the classroom and in the Gainesville community. I am saddened that Urban is stepping down but I have deep respect for his decision.''
Meyer led UF to the 2006 and 2008 national titles in his five years at Florida, with two Southeastern Conference Championships (2006 and 2008), three SEC Eastern Division crowns (2006, 2008 and 2009) and led UF to five straight January bowl games, including three BCS bowl games. He was recently named Sporting News and Sports Illustrated "Coach of the Decade.''
GAINESVILLE - Urban Meyer announced in a press released by the school that he is stepping down as head coach of the University of Florida football team.
"I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,'' said Meyer in a statement. "I have ignored my health for years, butrecent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.
"After consulting with my family, Dr. (Bernie) Machen, (athletic director) Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family. I'm proud to be a part of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation and I plan to remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida.
"I'm very appreciative for the opportunity I've had to be a part of a tremendous institution - from Dr. Machen to Jeremy Foley and the entire administrative staff at UF. I'm also very thankful for the chance to work with some of the best assistants in college football and coach some of the best college football players and watch them grow both on and off the field as people. I will cherish the relationships with them the most.''
Meyer will coach his last game for UF in the Gators' Sugar Bowl match-up vs. Cincinnati on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.
"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,'' said Foley in a statement. "But, the bottom line is that Coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship.''
"Urban Meyer's integrity, work ethic and commitment to his players are some of the reasons we asked him to become head football coach at the University of Florida,'' said Machen, who first hired Meyer at Utah in 2003, the year before he came to UF. "As a Gator, Urban has done everything we asked of him and more. He leaves alasting legacy on the field, in the classroom and in the Gainesville community. I am saddened that Urban is stepping down but I have deep respect for his decision.''
Meyer led UF to the 2006 and 2008 national titles in his five years at Florida, with two Southeastern Conference Championships (2006 and 2008), three SEC Eastern Division crowns (2006, 2008 and 2009) and led UF to five straight January bowl games, including three BCS bowl games. He was recently named Sporting News and Sports Illustrated "Coach of the Decade.''