In a stunning turn of events that likely caused Gator fans to check every viable source of sporting information across internet-land – it’s been confirmed that head football coach Urban Meyer is stepping down.
When Coach Urban Meyer was admitted to the hospital following the SEC Championship game, it was reported that he was suffering from dehydration. Later it was reported that he was suffering from chest pains.
ESPN is reporting that Urban Meyer’s heart muscle has a defect, and that is the reason for his surprising resignation from the University of Florida.
Meyer has been to the hospital at least twice since suffering chest pains after the SEC title game, a Florida source told ESPN. The heart problems are stress related, not congenital.
Although, doctors say it isn’t life threatening – it is serious enough for Meyer to step back and address it immediately.
Meyer has scheduled a press conference for Sunday afternoon in New Orleans.
What does this mean for Gator-Nation?
Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, Riley Cooper, Jermaine Cunningham, and Brandon Spikes are definitely gone. Dan Mullen departed last season and Charlie Strong has left for Louisville as of now this season. That’s Florida’s head coach, QB, defensive coordinator, leading wide receiver, defensive coordinator, defensive end, and middle linebacker. Can you Gator fans handle more bad news?
Meyer’s departure means Florida’s loaded junior class is almost certainly NFL-bound. Say toodles to starting cornerback Joe Haden, defensive end Carlos Dunlap, tight end Aaron Hernandez, the Pouncey twins, and defensive backs Major Wright and Ahmad Black.
Reports have it that a number of their 2010 verbal commitments have already been contacted by Florida State, Miami, Tennessee, and many others but; have yet to hear from Florida on the Urban Meyer news.
Nothing should be taken for granted in this world, so let’s take a look at Meyer’s accomplishments at Florida.
After calling it quits after five seasons in Gainesville and two national titles. He goes into the bowl game with a 56-10 record at Florida that includes a 32-8 mark in league play and a school-record 22-game winning streak ended early this month against Alabama.
“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,” Meyer said in a statement. “I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to reevaluate my priorities of faith and family.
“After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family.”
“Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,” Foley said 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.”
Potential successors to Meyer could include Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops, Boise State’s Chris Petersen, Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino, who was the other top candidate in 2004 when Meyer got the job, former Florida Gator and Super Bowl-winning NFL coach Mike Shanahan and former Meyer assistants Dan Mullen and Charlie Strong. Former Florida offensive coordinator Mullen just finished his first season as head coach at Mississippi State. Defensive coordinator Strong was named the head coach at Louisville earlier this month.
Many think that this health issue will not be career ending but; if that were to be the case even at the young age of 45, Meyer should be considered a legend. The way he has turned around every program he has ever been a part of is what legends are made of. He will truly be missed.
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