Urban Meyer stepping down as Gator Coach

[TIGERJC]

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.''

[Da_unknown]

damm... health and family first man..

[nsany(atl)]

probably stressed out from loosing so many starters and assistant coaches

[nreggie454]

I bet he will be coaching again in 5 years or less.

[nsany(atl)]

I bet he will be coaching again in 5 years or less.

I bet your wrong. This seems to be a serious heart related condition. He has made his money, not worth dying. Will probably become next AD

[Nubz]

I bet your wrong. This seems to be a serious heart related condition. He has made his money, not worth dying. Will probably become next AD

Yeah he said he wanted to stay with the program. Just not as head coach. Wish him the best of luck with his health

[mmmmpsi]

Very sad to hear this news and certainly wish him the best. Gator Nation will miss him and it's going to be a HARD season for the gators next year I have a feeling.

[cjhutch]

I really hate to question the intentions on this, but the timing was just really the wrong time. This announcement could have waited one more week when the season was over. He has a health issue, but they said he's been living with it for two years. I hate to say it, but I think he knows the next few years are going to be really rough in Florida so why not take a little time off and know that you can come back whenever you want.

[BanginJimmy]

Meyer already aw the blueprint for the Gators next year when he watched USC play this year. They lose every play maker on the team and while there is still going to be a lot of talent in Gainesville, no one has any playing time.

[nsany(atl)]

he has been in and out of the hospital since the SEC champ. It must have gotten worse.

[BanginJimmy]

he has been in and out of the hospital since the SEC champ. It must have gotten worse.

Stress and exhaustion. He simply doesnt know how to delegate, and its gotten so bad thing year because he lost the best player on the team to the draft last year. He knew his team wasnt nearly as good as last year and that put that much more stress on him to put together the right game plan every week.