The University of Florida has confirmed that Urban Meyer will step down as head coach of the Florida Gators. His finishes his career at Florida with two National Championships, two SEC Championships and a 64-15 record.
Meyer said that his family responsibilities were the reason for stepping down.
"I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and, during that time, my primary focus has been helping my teams win titles," Meyer said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and I am a fierce competitor to my core. At this time in my life, however, I appreciate the sacrifices my 24/7 profession has demanded of me, and I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field. The decision to step down was a difficult one.
"But after spending more than two decades motivating and celebrating the young men I've been so proud to coach, I relish the opportunity to cheer for my three terrific kids as they compete in their own respective sports. I know how fortunate I am to be in a position to make this choice and to have a family that is as loving and supportive as my amazing wife and children have always been."
A year ago, Meyer stepped down due to health issues caused by stress. However, a return like last year does not seem to be the case this time around.
"It's so much different that it was a year ago,'' athletic director Jeremy Foley said. "He went through some tremendous issues a year ago. But I see his face now and I see the peacefulness. He's totally at peace with the decision. He certainly has given every fiber of his body to this university. I've seen it every day. The results speak for themselves, but to get those results, how do they happen? That guy has given everything he had to this university.
"It was just time. He wants to spend more time with his family. He's got daughters who play college volleyball; he's got a son who is growing up. Urban loves his family. When all is said and done, he loves us, he loves the Gators, he loves football, he loves his players, but his world revolves around his family. I think more than anything else that was the impetus for this.''
Florida will immediately begin the process of finding a new coach. As fans, we all immediately know the two names that will come up in the coaching search; Dan Mullen and Charlie Strong. Everyone else is pure fantasy (Jon Gruden) or pure fiction (Bob Stoops). But every thing is now thrown into chaos following a season that was packed with it.
We will have more later today.