Urban Meyer Stepping Down

[smupony94]

Meyer to coach final game at Sugar BowlComment Email Print Share ESPN.com news services

Urban Meyer is stepping down as coach of the Florida football team, athletics director Jeremy Foley announced Saturday afternoon in a release.

"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 statement. "I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate 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.

"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 Florida against Cincinnati on Jan. 1 at the Sugar Bowl.

[OR-See-Nee]

Huge development in college football. Hope UM is able to focus on the things he needs to focus on.

[smupony94]

Florida is a great program. Wonder who they have in mind.

[OR-See-Nee]

Florida is a great program. Wonder who they have in mind.

Patterson?

[smupony94]

I guess the announcers on ESPN have not been to ESPN.com as they are speculating on why he left

[OR-See-Nee]

I guess the announcers on ESPN have not been to ESPN.com as they are speculating on why he left

I was thinking the same thing.

[smupony94]

Florida is a great program. Wonder who they have in mind.

Patterson?

Huge buyout but guess they can afford it.

[OR-See-Nee]

Florida is a great program. Wonder who they have in mind.

Patterson?

Huge buyout but guess they can afford it.

Just throwing it out there. I don't know. Too much eggnog.

[OR-See-Nee]

I can't imagine the amount of stress associated with that job.

[smupony94]

I can't imagine the amount of stress associated with that job.

You can make a ton of money but of course it comes with a price

[ponysig96]

How awesome would it be if they hired Brian Kelly?

[Alaric]

How awesome would it be if they hired Brian Kelly?

nice

[RednBlue11]

if he is stepping down does he get a buyout?

[Special_Delivery_Smu_Fans]

How awesome would it be if they hired Brian Kelly?

Keep dreaming. Small private Christian Schools should hang together. Go Mustangs, Go Irish and Go Athletic Directors from ND!

[Junior]

So, what exactly are the health reasons?