Urban Meyer Resigns (Updated: On Leave)
[Guest post by DRJ]
Florida football coach Urban Meyer has resigned for personal reasons. Initial reports indicated his resignation is health-related but later reports have been more vague. [EDIT: This ESPN report says he has a heart valve muscle defect that is not life-threatening.]
Meyer plans to “remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida.” His last game coaching Florida will be at the Sugar Bowl.
— DRJ
UPDATE: Just one day later, Meyer has changed his mind. Now he’s taking an indefinite leave of absence and he “expects to be on the sideline leading the Gators when next season opens.” It’s possible his players helped change his mind:
“The 45-year-old Meyer said being with his players at a “spirited practice” Sunday morning persuaded him not to resign.
“To not try would not be the right thing to do,” he said.”
H/T ropelight.
That’s sad. OTOH what does he have left to prove?
Mike Myers (3c9845) — 12/26/2009 @ 4:08 pmWe need a Tiger joke here? 🙂
Prove, how about that he can do it for twenty years with the same team?
Some time will tell what is happening, I hope if it is indeed health related, he gets better and returns to coaching someplace.
TC (0b9ca4) — 12/26/2009 @ 5:01 pmI edited the post with a report that he has a heart valve muscle defect. In general, I imagine the stress of coaching wouldn’t be the best thing for a heart-related problem.
My best to Meyer and his family.
DRJ (84a0c3) — 12/26/2009 @ 5:20 pmRecent Sports Illustrated article also talks about a “cyst” in his brain that has caused severe headaches when he is stressed.
You know, I’m not glad he’s leaving, since he is an incredible coach. On the other hand, I hope he stays gone, so his health will always be of the most importance….
reff (176333) — 12/26/2009 @ 6:33 pmGood to see Meyer put family first. He is a young man, and there is plenty of time to rejoin the race after conquering these more important challenges, if that is his wish.
Meanwhile, the TV gods are doing everything they can to keep USC from losing for the 5th time this season. Even when replays are irrefutable to the rest of the planet, they are not to the stripes doing this game.
Matador (176445) — 12/26/2009 @ 7:29 pmAnyone got a phone # for June Jones, he’s at SMU now.
ropelight (55b827) — 12/27/2009 @ 10:53 amUrban Meyer modifies his retirement announcement, now says he’s taking a leave of absence for an indefinite period. Current assistants will coach team.
ropelight (55b827) — 12/27/2009 @ 11:40 amThanks, ropelight. I’ve updated the post.
DRJ (84a0c3) — 12/27/2009 @ 3:32 pmThere is no reason for him to resign. A “leave of absense” is about right. Even Joe Paterno didn’t resign. I suspect a call was made from FL to PA within the last 24hr. And besides, AD’s don’t make as much dough.
Viktor Nehring (d69f96) — 12/27/2009 @ 11:56 pmJust hope he gets his health issues straightened out and returns to coaching.
Labor Law Attorney (b3ff12) — 12/28/2009 @ 4:47 pmMeyer is good!
thanks
lida (849cac) — 1/23/2010 @ 12:36 am