I believe Urban Meyer. Do you?
Media and fans have become justifiably skeptical any time a college football coach says he isn’t interested in a particular job and professes shock and dismay that the media would even enquire about such a thing. The problem is that usually in his denials, the coach always leaves himself a little wiggle room with phrases like:
“I intend to be here the rest of my career” or
“I have the best job in college football”
or the always crowd-pleasing: “This is the only job I want.”
Urban Meyer did none of that when he returned my phone call on Wednesday. The Florida coach was emphatic:
He is not going to Notre Dame. Ever.
Well, well.
The speculation about the Florida coach and Notre Dame has been on a low burn under the surface for a while. The speculation was natural. There are ties there. He worked for Lou Holtz. His mother loves the place. She named him after a pope.
But that low burn was turned up to a full flame last week with an internet column from the state of Alabama that said “Urban Meyer is probably leaving Florida after the season to go to Notre Dame.”
“I got back from a family vacation and got hit with that by one of our recruits,” Meyer said. “He told me that other schools were saying it. So I knew I had to be very definite, very clear.”
Meyer was attending Pat Dooley’s (Gainesville Sun) charity golf tournament last Saturday when he stood before the crowd and said: “I’m not going to Notre Dame. Ever. I’m going to be the coach at Florida for a long time, as long as they want me.”
Then he told the media in the room to print it.
“It (the speculation) was just getting ridiculous,” Meyer told me. “I have a great deal of respect for Notre Dame but there is nothing there on either side.”
Now if Meyer wins his third national championship in four years and flies off to South Bend, then you can let him have it and he’ll deserve the wrath that comes his way. But I believe the guy and here’s why: It’s simply logical.
Like Meyer, I have a great deal of respect for Notre Dame. In fact, I’m going there this weekend for the College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremonies. It’s a special place. But from a football standpoint, it is simply not the same place where Holtz won a national championship in 1988.
We have had a generation of players grow up with Notre Dame rarely relevant on the national stage. They have never heard of Knute Rockne or Ara Parseghian. They know Lou Holtz because he’s on television.
Yes, Notre Dame has its own television network (NBC) but now every game is on television so that it is no longer an advantage for Notre Dame. The SEC has two television networks (CBS, ESPN). Just like the schools in the Big Ten have had a tough time recruiting the great speed players from the South, so has Notre Dame. And in today’s game you are not going to win without speed.
My Georgia friends are not going to like this but it is an undeniable fact: Steve Spurrier (1990-2001) turned Florida into one of the top three jobs in all of college football. It is the state university in the state that produces a ton of Division I-A prospects. Meyer does not have to travel very far to recruit all the talent he needs. That would not be the case at Notre Dame, where you have to recruit nationally just to have a chance. There are reasons why Urban Meyer chose Florida over Notre Dame in December of 2004. Those reasons have not changed.
Now is it possible that Urban Meyer, who just turned 45 last Friday, might someday want different challenge than winning the SEC? Sure, it’s possible. Anything is possible in the crazy business of coaching.
But in my experience coaches leave because somebody offers them a better job for more money. Notre Dame, for all of its great tradition, is never going to be a better job than Florida. The world has changed too much. Meyer is making $3.25 million now and his president, Bernie Machen, is on record saying Meyer should be the highest paid coach in the SEC. LSU’s Les Miles was the league’s highest-paid coach last season at $3.751 million. Alabama’s Nick Saban will average $4 million over the life of his eight-year contract.
So Meyer is going to get paid. If he ever leaves Florida, it’s not going to be because of money. Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley stayed ahead of the curve and made Steve Spurrier the first $2 million college football coach in 1997. He is not going to let Urban Meyer walk out the door over a few million dollars.
Meyer is like any other football coach in that he has his supporters and his detractors. His supporters will almost always give him the benefit of the doubt. His detractors will not. They want him out of the SEC, just like they wanted Spurrier out when he was dominating the league. They will question the veracity of everything he says and does. That’s part of the game.
But even Meyer’s biggest critics will admit that the man is not stupid. After such a definitive statement, he knows that if he leaves for Notre Dame the fan and media backlash will make what happened to Nick (“I am not going to be the coach at Alabama”) Saban look like a walk in the park.
So I believe him. Do you?
Please follow me on Twitter at:
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
235 comments Add your comment
lakerat
July 16th, 2009
8:19 am
The proverbial ” I did not have sex with the woman” comment – along the lines of Saban saying he was not taking the AL job – or the proverbial “vote of confidence” by a GM or AD.
Urban “Crier” is as good as gone, if only because he continues to address the subject!
MiltonDawg
July 16th, 2009
8:20 am
What Urban wants, Urban gets. Urban will be in orange & blue for another year or so..then bolt. He reminds me of Bobby Petrino. He’s just telling the Gator faithful what they want to hear. Money talks in CFB.
stoopid
July 16th, 2009
8:22 am
whata weasel. he says that now, but if UF were to have a couple of down years, I guarantee he bolts to South Bend!
KR
July 16th, 2009
8:23 am
My friends from Ole Miss told me that Tommy Tuberville publicly stated that the only way he was leaving Mississippi was in a pine box. You can’t get more definitive than that. Of course, the next day he was in Auburn accepting the head coaching job there.
I believe Urban Meyer will be the Florida coach for the 2009 season and that he is making plans to be there in the subsequent seasons. I believe the same things about Mark Richt and Les Miles.
But as they say: NEVER say NEVER.
Goner
July 16th, 2009
8:26 am
Bye gators, Urban will be out like a fat kid in dodge ball.
He’s the best coach in football. If you don’t believe it just ask him.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
8:27 am
No way do I believe him or should anyone believe him. Coaches say this kind of thing DAILY. It’s something that is said to personally aid their cause, which is recruiting.
Notre Dame is EXACTLY the kind of job Urban will take. This is why:
1) Urban has ties to the university.
2) He’s not only won 1 national title at Florida but 2. Oh yeah…he also has hands-down the best team in the nation starting out this year. Nothing left to prove.
3) This is the last year of Tim Tebow.
4) Despite what he’s done at Florida, it’s already been done by Spurrier. (yeah he has one more title but I’m talking simply dominating the SEC)
5) The PRESTIGE at Notre Dame can not be matched. At all.
6) While Notre Dame is not in a recruiting hotbed and the kids of today didn’t grow up seeing ND success, the name still carries significant weight. Add Urban’s coaching prestige and recruiting ability and they’ll be right back up there in recruiting.
7) What better job to take after what he’s done at Florida than one that is filled with tremendous history but has fallen on hard times. One that “people in the know” seem to think will never be what it once was.
When he takes the Notre Dame job, the “Urban Liar” moniker should take top stage. But it won’t because of the media.
Class of '98
July 16th, 2009
8:32 am
The next coach at Notre Dame will be Paul Johnson.
No BCS
July 16th, 2009
8:33 am
I give him another 3 years of mediocrity after Tebow leaves before he heads for the NFL. I do believe him when he says he won’t go to Notre Shame though.
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 16th, 2009
8:33 am
As the former governor of the great state of Florida as well as a TE in the Graves era, I have really enjoyed having Urban here.
I think the danger is not that Notre Dame comes calling, but that his career will be relatively short because of his intensity and hands-on approach which will eventually wear him out. In short, we’ve got no possibility of a Bobby Bowden situation with our guy Urban.
Ten or fifteen years is about as much as he’ll be able to stand, then he’ll be ready for Lou Holtz’ job. Lou should be 85 and ready to go by then.
Bama Aaron
July 16th, 2009
8:34 am
To determine if he’ll leave ask yourself this question. What’s more important to him? And no the answer is not money…he’ll get more than enough of that at either Florida or Notre Dame.
Is it more important or more of a challege to sustain Florida at where he has them and have a realistic shot at competing for SEC and National titles every year?
Or is it more important for him to build his legacy and go try to rebuild Notre Dame with less talent and more hoops to jump through?
I think he stays at UF for a long time. Though personally as a Bama fan I would just as soon see him gone.
mike
July 16th, 2009
8:35 am
the top 1% of the top 1% comment says it all about urban.
TommyJack
July 16th, 2009
8:41 am
No
Art Vandelay
July 16th, 2009
8:41 am
TommyP, wishing he’d leave UF doesn’t make it so. ND has no more prestige in football circles than UF does, and either you’re completely ignoring every reason Tony just listed for Urban staying, or you simply can’t read. And, by the way, his “ties” to ND are certainly weaker than his ties to UF.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
8:43 am
TommyP,
While I have a different point of view being UF grad, I do have to say thank you for contributing to what’s going to be a good dialogue today. As expected, the Crier, Liar flamefest has ensued on this post, however, you actually made points as to why you think he’s gone. I get the impression that character assaults with no examples, evidence, or personal experience is the easy way out to just disparage a coach from a rival school. Isn’t high school fun?
rocksteadyfreddie
July 16th, 2009
8:44 am
I guess convincing themselves that Urban Meyer will leave Florida is a more plausible reality for UGA fans than accepting the fact that Urban Meyer owns Mark Richt and will work him like a rented mule for as long as he chooses to do so.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
8:48 am
Urban’s ties to Ohio State are just as strong as his ties to ND. I can certainly understand the argument that he’s accomplished a lot at Florida and what’s left to prove. It was the reason SOS left and Urban is certainly going to be tempted by the same reasoning. Can’t fault him if he leaves for that.
What seems to not be getting a lot of play is the fact that he picked UF over ND the first time so he could be a dad. He doesn’t want to recruit nationally and miss out on being with his family, esp. if he can have a job where he recruits regionally and can make the short drive to ATL to see his college daughter. I wonder where the Crier/Liar crowd stands regarding his conviction to be a family man and raise his son to the best of his ability.
Eric
July 16th, 2009
8:49 am
So more money is not important to big time college coaches, bamaaron? Tell that to your own 10 million dollar man. The more you have, the more you want. The bigger the paycheck, the bigger the ego. It’s a vicious circle and college coaches are not immune to that. Do I believe Urban? Hell no!
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
8:50 am
Do we really want to start posting quotes to “prove” something about people’s characters? I’m sure some quick comments browsing and a quality google search will bring up plenty of juicy material on many of the utlra-negative posters here and even a few high profile SEC coaches.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
8:51 am
TIME OUT, TIME OUT!!!
It’s too much fun beating UGAg to leave UF, just ask Paul Johnson.
…I can’t find my blue bird.
rocksteadyfreddie
July 16th, 2009
8:52 am
Time out, Florida. This is their 2nd charged time out of the half.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
8:54 am
Art: I do not wish Urban would leave for Notre Dame. As a Georgia fan, I want to see us beat Florida more than an isolated time here or there and go around .500 against him.
And Florida does not have the historical prestige that Notre Dame does. That’s just asinine to even think.
Charlotte: It looks like I’m the only one that has stated reasons to defend my opinion. There is no doubt that Meyer is a great coach. No doubt. But he’s done some strange things in the past that have resulted in his nicknames, to say the least. I’m not going to list them all because that’s not what this post is about. I’m going to stay on topic. And I’m not going to get into the immature crap that makes up 80% of these blogs. (and the thing you just complained about is what you’re doing)
Rocksteady: Urban HAS owned Richt. The hope is that will change. And soon.
Typical Mutt Fan
July 16th, 2009
8:57 am
Notre Dame next coach will be nick saban or paul johnson. they both kicked our a$$ last year, that my reason. go dawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwgs!
Mark Richt
July 16th, 2009
8:57 am
I am praying for him to leave.
rocksteadyfreddie
July 16th, 2009
8:58 am
Tommy,
in all honesty, what do a bunch of national titles won before 1950 have to do with winning football games and landing bigtime recruits in 2009? I hear about NDs tradition. It is impressive. But as a guy who is 28, I’d much rather the brighter days of my program be ahead rather than behind. Barnhart hit it, kids today have no clue about Notre Dame. Your average recruit is 17. They were born the year that Garrison Hearst was in the Heisman running at UGA. the 1980s are ancient history to these kids, much less Notre Dame’s hey day. Tradition is big with alumni, historians, and fans, but means little to todays current athletes. It has been quite a while since the 4 horsemean converted on 3rd and 4.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
9:04 am
Rocksteady: I agree with a lot of what you said. Probably most. But Notre Dame is Notre Dame. They’ve fallen on hard times, no doubt. But everyone knows about Notre Dame for one reason or another. We’re not talking Washington Huskies football here. Notre Dame’s name and Urban Meyer’s track record will get the best in that nation to visit South Bend. Once these kids realize that when they get Notre Dame to the top again, they will be the Derek Jeters of college football.
No college football team in the nation gets catered to by the media like Notre Dame.
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
9:05 am
Who cares if he says he is staying or leaving? We have beaten him once already. He can be beaten. Just go play the games and win. Who cares what he says?
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
9:09 am
TommyP
Point taken.
1) Ties to the University
- As I’ve previously posted, I don’t agree with this being all that important. He has similar ties to Ohio State which is arguably a better job than ND.
2) Nothing left to prove.
- Completely agree with you on this one. If this was the reason he left, I couldn’t be upset at him for it and would wish him the best.
3) This is the last year of Tim Tebow.
- Gotta disagree on this being a reason he’d leave. This would be like Richt and UGA fans thinking their team was done since Stafford left. There’s plenty more quality players and UM’s stated goal has been to turn UF into a program that reloads. What better way to do that then not fall off of a cliff after one of the greatest Gators of all time moves on.
4) Despite what he’s done at Florida, it’s already been done by Spurrier. (yeah he has one more title but I’m talking simply dominating the SEC)
- Similar to #2 there’s merit to this as well, however, I don’t think as much. I think the Spurrier shadow has all but become a passing thought to UM and many Gator fans. Clearly SOS is the reason UF is in this position, but UM had done enough to distinguish himself from the visored one.
5) The PRESTIGE at Notre Dame can not be matched. At all.
- Agreed that the prestige can’t be matched, however, it doesn’t mean its a better job. I think anyone outside the SEC would acknowledge that UF is the better job between the two and I don’t imagine prestige matters if recruits don’t care.
6) While Notre Dame is not in a recruiting hotbed and the kids of today didn’t grow up seeing ND success, the name still carries significant weight. Add Urban’s coaching prestige and recruiting ability and they’ll be right back up there in recruiting.
- I don’t see this same thing playing out at Michigan, Penn State, or other powerhouses of yester year that aren’t elite teams/programs. I’d argue that recruits knowing about USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma has less to do with past glory/history and more to do with recent success.
7) What better job to take after what he’s done at Florida than one that is filled with tremendous history but has fallen on hard times. One that “people in the know” seem to think will never be what it once was.
- I think this one is a toss up because nobody but UM knows what his next step or career aspirations would be. I suspect most UF supporters would think this isn’t a big deal to UM while non-UF supporters would argue that it is. I think this is a push.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
9:12 am
Rocksteady: Couple more things. Using your logic, if a kid hasn’t witnessed a program winning a national title, he won’t give that school a chance? Hmmm….as many on here note, Georgia hasn’t won one in almost 30 years but they have a top 10 recruiting class annually.
Let’s take a look at a program like Texas. At your age, before Mack Brown, you had never seen Texas do squat. However, the right coach came along and now they’re at the top of college football every single year. Yet they have a great football history.
Class of '98
July 16th, 2009
9:15 am
What means most to high school recruits today isn’t about climate, recent championships or TV time. It’s about which schools put the most players into the NFL.
Paul Johnson to Notre Dame is a perfect fit. He doesn’t have to get the 5-star recruits to win big, he can recruit players that could actually qualify academically at Notre Dame, and as the icing on the cake, the triple-option is a historical throwback and would be an ideal match for the tradition of Notre Dame.
I’m not claiming to have inside information on this, and yes I’m a UGA grad, but if PJ has another good/great year at GT and Weis flubs up another season, I would go after Johnson REALLY, REALLY hard if I were the AD at Notre Dame. It would be a match made in heaven.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
9:16 am
DawginLex,
You’re quite honestly my favorite kind of UGA fan. While I obviously don’t have much love for the dawgs, the mentality displayed by your comments is what makes the rivalry so great and makes UGA a quality opponent. We want nothing more than someone that will work hard all season to beat us, which I think works both ways. The real reason UF/UGA fans have such a bitter rivalry is because they view each other as threats to their stated goals. As an example, I think much more about the game in JAX than any matchups with FSU, as I’m sure UF is a bigger deal most years than Tech.
Anyway, just wanted to point out that I think you represent the vast majority of UGA fans/grads and that I’m looking forward to a good game in JAX.
JaxDawg
July 16th, 2009
9:21 am
lakerat- he’s only addressing it because others keep bringing it up.
Why would Urban leave UF? He’s coaching in the most competitive league in the country, He’s living in Florida, where people from up north come to vacation. He’s in one of the top recruiting hotbeds in the country, and the two main state rivals are struggling. Foley will probably make him the first 5 million dollar a year coach.
While he has strong ties to ND, that program is a mess. The last 3 coaching hires have not panned out. They have tradition, but most of the top recruits coming out now were just toddlers the last time ND was consistently relavant.
The only way I see him leaving is if he gets bored and wants to take on the challenge of bringing ND back to the national spotlight, and I don’t see him getting bored anytime soon.
Everyone should just give the “Urban’s leaving” thing a rest. If people think the only way to stop UF is by UM leaving and continuing to hope for that, only makes us look desperate and pathetic.
Everything comes and goes in cycles. There was a time not that long ago when everyone thought FSU & Miami would dominate forever, and look at where they are now. Florida is enjoying their success now, but for how much longer? That remains to be seen.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
9:22 am
TommyP,
I don’t think it’s National Championships, but a combination of being a perennially successful team as well as Class of ’98’s comment about players in the NFL. What keeps UGA in the minds of many recruits is the relative consistency of 10 win seasons and New Years Day bowls as well as players getting put into the NFL. Notre Dame and Michigan, as examples, have had neither, and not until recently has Penn State. USC turned it around once Carroll got there, just like Texas and OSU did. Let’s remember that between Eddie George and Tressel, OSU was forgotten, with the like of Joe Germaine and David Boston being their big time studs. Stoops turned around an Oklahoma who was going nowhere but now has been churning out NFL players and Big 12 titles.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
9:29 am
JaxDawg,
Well said. Miami is not too far removed from Nat’l titles and 10 first round draft picks. I’d agree that UM getting bored is not terribly likely given the intensity of the SEC and all the work required to match the Bama, LSU, UGA, and even up and coming UT and Ole Miss programs. (FYI…I know Ole Miss will be really good this year, but they need to prove they can consistently stay up there and not catch magic in a bottle and then fizzle like Arkansas, which I guess is making a resurgence as well).
Anyway, to your point I think a key to UF staying good over the next couple of years is how much experience young guys get this upcoming season. We will lose a lot of talent and leadership to graduation and early draft entrees depending on the season’s outcome, and the young talent is going to have to step in next year and perform. There’s no free lunch or substitute for experience in the SEC. Everyone takes their lumps. The young guys have to grow up quick or we have another year like 2007 or worse.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
9:31 am
Charlotte: Now this is getting fun. Thanks for the rebuttal.
My response on your take:
1) My memory is failing me but didn’t he say at one time that Notre Dame was his “dream job”? I think THAT’S why the fascination of the Urban to Notre Dame rumors originated (and still exists).
I do not see how the Ohio State job is a better job than Notre Dame, however. Easier to win in the short term? Yes. Better job? I have to disagree. Get Notre Dame back to the BCS each year and you’re Joe Torre of the Yankees. Do it with Ohio State and you’re best known for your sweater-vest.
2) We agree.
3) Glad you compared Tebow to Stafford.
It’s no comparison. And Tebow isn’t “one of the greatest Gators ever”….he IS the greatest Gator ever. Without competition.
4) We agree.
5) I think it’s a better job, as stated earlier, because of the “what can be” aspect of Notre Dame. The media shoves the Irish down our throats…when they’re 3-8. They have the greatest (and most unfair) advantage to play in a BCS bowl because of the “Notre Dame rule” which basically assures them of a bid if they’re barely mediocre. Take Notre Dame back to the BCS annually and you’re the most recognizable college football coach in the nation. Because ESPN, Fox, AJC, etc. will make sure of it.
6) It’s not playing out at Michigan because of a few reasons. Rich Rodriguez switched the offensive philosophy from a late ’80s Oakland A’s Bash Brothers offense to an ‘85 Whitey Herzog jackrabbit speed game. You can’t do that overnight. Also, we’re talking Rich Rodriguez. C’mon…that name doesn’t carry any weight.
Penn State seems to do pretty well, especially lately. But how excited can a kid get to play for a coach that’s ready to retire…or die? Cruel, but that’s the truth.
As I said to another poster, look at what Mack Brown has done at Texas. Before Mack, those kids hadn’t witnessed top seasons in their lifetime. But he took a job that was a sleeping giant and made it into what it is now.
7) Agreed.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
9:35 am
Charlotte: Your 9:22 post proved my point exactly. All of those programs were fledgling programs until the right coach arrived.
Now they are powerhouses.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
9:35 am
I think the SEC should somehow force him to leave Florida. Its going to get boring having the same champion year after year after year. No one will ever beat the great Urban Meyer again. We’ll all be fighting for second place. Maybe the SEC could put together an All-Star team comprised of the SEC’s best non-Florida players and have them play the Gators. That is the only way the SEC is going to be at all interesting as long as the great Urban Meyer is around. I would even submit that Florida should consider rotating in some NFL opponents on to the schedule. And yes Gator fans, if you lose it will count towards the SEC East race. I’m sorry, but we’ve got to keep this interesting or the SEC will lose money.
mcdawg
July 16th, 2009
9:40 am
The Pope of Gainseville
LaterGator
July 16th, 2009
9:41 am
Imagine! A great university like Notre Dame with a football team, but no coach. You would think they would have hired somebody by now.
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
9:42 am
To RAMBLE ON
I get it. You’ve dropped your Roddy Jones man-crush and now you have a Paul Johnson man-crush. You mention the guy in every post. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Bull Gator
July 16th, 2009
9:43 am
Keep dreaming haters. Saint Urban isn’t going anywhere. It will be particularly enjoyable listening to all you next season predicting UF’s downfall after Tebow leaves, only to watch you whine and complain when Johnny Brantley continues the tradition of dominance that Meyer is establishing in Gainesville. It’s great to be a Florida Gator!
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
9:44 am
LaterGator: If he was doing a great job, there wouldn’t be rumors of Urban replacing him, huh?
Otto
July 16th, 2009
9:45 am
Why would Urban leave for ND? The facilities are not as good, it is harder to recruit and UF is paying him a fortune.
If he stays at UF he can win more titles and build an empire. Urban’s name will be up there with Woody Hayes and the Bear. If he bounces around he could be the next Scnellengerger sp? or SOS.
If he did move I would see it being to Ohio St but Tressel isn’t going anywhere soon.
TommyP
July 16th, 2009
9:45 am
Bull Gator: This Bulldog isn’t dreaming. I want Urban to stay so we can someday level the playing field while he’s there.
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
9:46 am
Thanks charlottegator,
On the other blog, there are some classless gator posters who are bragging about the stadium emptying in the 2nd half like last year being an “annual tradition” for UGA. I pointed out to them as you have stated, that despite the recent series trend, it is still very much a rivalry.
That’s why it doesn’t need to move from jville.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
9:50 am
Bull Gator, I’d be more concerned about losing all those stud defensive players you’ve got right now. They will leave and their replacements may not be as good. This happens. There are really two core ingredients to a successful SEC football team: Defense and offensive line. You get thin in those areas and you can struggle. All it takes is a string of injuries or attrition. I have some shocking news for you but the great Florida Gators are not immune from these problems. No college football team is, not even with St. Urban as their coach. We’ll see what happens, but suffice to say, if you’re expecting 13-1 championship seasons from here on out you’re going to be sorely disappointed. I’m not hating, just trying to help you out little buddy.
Maddog
July 16th, 2009
9:50 am
I for one do not think Meyer will leave for ND. Perhaps they have a more storied tradition, but virtually every team in the country would love to have the success UF has enjoyed since ‘91. Money might motivate Meyer to go to ND because I think they would easily make him the highest paid coach in the country and would probably throw in some stock options or something.
Meyer heads up the most successful program in the most successful conference in the country. Two NCs in three years. A Heisman trophy winner. Sure, he could leverage these for the huge contract, but I just don’t see it.
Perhaps like me, Meyer is not in awe of ND. I don’t particularly like the guy, but I believe he stays at UF. I sure would if I were in his position.
Lonesome Dove
July 16th, 2009
9:54 am
There are no real reasons for Urban Meyer to leave Florida, just as there were none for Steve Spurrier. Spurrier left because he thought he had nothing left to prove and wanted a fresh challenge. That would be the only legitimate reason for Meyer to leave. He does have an excellent recruiting base, so does Mark Richt. Both receive excellent salaries. Both are competitive, though their personalities are much different. If we want a coach to leave because he’s beating you, then you’re saying you dont want to be competitive, and you want someone to give it to you. Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, etc., are all fully capable of winning the SEC and playing even with or better than Florida. Steve Spurrier made every team in the SEC better. Meyer will do the same. Don’t be fearful of competition; embrace it. Name calling and hating is so immature. Unfortunately, these blogs enable those fans of all schools (probably none real alumni) the opportunity to display their ignorance and jealousy. Oh, and Tony, even though you’re a UGA graduate, as am I, I appreciate your even handed reporting of all schools. Those who think you are a homer really aren’t thinking.
Panhandle Nole
July 16th, 2009
9:54 am
If you aren’t a gator fan, then you might swallow the lines some gators feed about Spurrier moving on because he had done all he wanted to do. I believe he moved on because he was getting shoved out of gainesville. Winning wasn’t much fun anymore for some bull gators. They didn’t like Spurrier’s way of doing things and his abrasive manner behind the scenes. Spurrier’s own self inflated ego probably was the reason he took his trophies to Washington and ruined the Redskins. Suppier also was tired of the attitude that not winning the SEC and the national championship was failure.There are reasons fans from other schools called Steve, Steve Superior, and reasons why some gator fans are labeled they way they are labeled
Enjoy the ride gators, it’s the best feeling in the world for a football fan. That’s my take.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
9:57 am
TommyP,
1) He did say that, but I listened to that radio show and as I remember it was in passing. Something to the effect of “yeah, that’s my dream job, but….” He went on after the but for like a minute or two regarding why he didn’t and couldn’t take it, but obviously that doesn’t get any play. After the initial scare of the quote, most Gator fans listened to the interview and were satisfied with what they found. Good counter points on the OSU comparison, but I still don’t think being the man at Notre Dame carries as much weight. Of course, strictly my opinion. I think they’re in the automatic backlash zone a team like the Yankees or Cowboys are in. Getting attention isn’t always the same as prestige.
3) The comparison was only that they are both talented starting QB’s that are/were important to their teams/fan bases.
I seem to remember a lot of back and forth between Gator and Dawg fans in their freshman and sophomore campaigns. Regarding the “greatest” comments, in my mind I was thinking of “most talented” which is why I think Tebow is “one of”. I might be in the minority and drawing the ire of the Tebow pajamas crowd, but I think Percy Harvin is the most talented football player to ever wear the orange and blue. If “greatest” is a combo of most influential, important, etc., then I agree and obviously the nod goes to Tebow for GOAT (Gator-wise, it’s arguable on the national front).
5) He’s already one of the more recognizable coaches at Florida. While I agree with your facts, I don’t see them as a reason he would leave. My biased point of view sees it as making VP at a company and then taking another job to see if you could do it all over again from lower in the food chain (since admittedly UF had more going for it than ND, the climb was a little easier).
6) Similar to #5, while I agree with some of your points, I don’t see them as compelling reasons to go to ND and do it all over again. He woke up the UF program after the Zook years and got it back to the Spurrier level. Time will tell if he can have the consistent success that Spurrier did and overtake him, but honestly I can’t see how that will happen again in today’s SEC. Competition is too fierce.
You’re right, this is fun.
I’m now curious as to what Atlanta Gator and G8RGRAD’s takes on this will be. Those are two of my favorite UF posters.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
9:57 am
The Grinch
You mention me in every post, please drop your “man crush” on me.
May I suggest the Transgender Restrooms at your student center for a possible mate?
…the time has come to be gone.
PMC
July 16th, 2009
10:04 am
Yes, I do to an extent. ND has lost it’s luster and one day if there is an opportunity I’d be suprised if he didn’t consider returning to try and improve the program. That said, everything is better in Florida.
If he can keep finding QB’s (and I have no reason to suspect he won’t) he’s going to have equal or better talent to anyone. He can make 5 million a year if he wants it. As dominant as they have been, he can make himself into a modern legend… Really honestly, it’s wishful thinking that he’d just want to leave and rebuild a program… winning is fun and staying on top and winning is incredibly difficult too. He’s got a rare opportunity to be one of the all time greats at Florida.
southgadawg88
July 16th, 2009
10:05 am
…People seemed to get over Saban going to ALA pretty quick,the Petrino /Falcon disaster seems to have been forgotten already and Tommy T didn’t get all that much flak..so if Meyer did go to ND a few years from now he will get a pass too.
Okefenokee Dawg
July 16th, 2009
10:12 am
Who cares – just beat him and it won’t matter. Lame subject.
Ramblin Rick
July 16th, 2009
10:17 am
The Urban Legend ain’t going anywhere! Why would he leave Florida for that hellhole know as Notre Dam? Lousy weather, annoying fans and no talent to work with. I hope he stays at Florida and continues to destroy the mutts for years to come!
49-10
45-42
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:17 am
To RAMBLE ON!!
Then be gone. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:19 am
To RAMBLE ON
Sorry the man-crush comments bothered you so much. I guess it hit a little to close to home, but it was true. Go back and look at your previous posts. Seriously, probably 90% of them mention Paul Johnson or Roddy Jones. Geez, dude, get your own identity. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
ThursdayRon
July 16th, 2009
10:26 am
I don’t care about Urban Meyer. I’m ready for Tebow to graduate.
Josh
July 16th, 2009
10:26 am
If he wants a real challenge, he should go to a school that doesn’t throw tons of money at their football program. Money doesn’t guarantee success but it’s sure hard to succeed without it.
Atlanta Gator
July 16th, 2009
10:28 am
Here are the top 10 reasons why Urban Meyer isn’t leaving for Notre Dame any time soon—-
1. Finebaum is an Idiot.—-Paul Finebaum is routinely and regularly wrong.
2. The Benjamins.—-Meyer is making $3 million and change now. The university president, who was responsible for hiring him at Utah and Florida, has said that Meyer deserves to be the highest-paid coach in college football. That will happen after the 2009 season. It’s a question of $4 million and change or $5 million and change. Not many schools can offer that kind of cash, and then survive a bidding war with Florida.
3. Resources.—-On the record, the UAA has the 3rd highest Division I budget in the land ($90 million in 2009-2010). Off the record, UAA is projecting revenue of $102 million for the year. The UAA just made a $6 million donation to the university’s general fund. Florida is building a new $15 million lacrosse stadium entirely with private donations.
4. Notre Dame Ain’t What It Used to Be.—-How many national championship games has Notre Dame played in since 1990? How many national championships have the Irish won in that time? Answer: Zero. The Gators have played for 4 and won 3 MNCs in 20 years, and are favorites to play for a 5th one this year.
5. Recruiting.—-Notre Dame MUST chase talent nationally to be competitive. The state of Florida has the best high school recruiting base in the country, and the Gators can cherry-pick talent outside its home state and region.
6. Stick With What Brung Ya.—-Meyer’s ties to Notre Dame consist of being named for a pope and being the ND wide receivers coach for 5 seasons. He was also and assistant at Ohio State, Illinois State, Colorado State, before being head coach at Bowling Green and Utah. He’s been the head coach of the Gators for 4 seasons, and won 2 BCS titles and 2 SEC championships. Hmm.
7. Support.—-The University of Florida has the best athletic director in the country. Period. Meyer knows that, and knows it makes him a better coach by taking much of the administrative responsibility off of his back. Be the coach, not a bureaucrat.
8. Family.—-Meyer’s youngest son does not graduate from Gainesville High School for another 6 years.
9. Florida’s Bear Bryant.—-Lightning in a bottle is tough to catch once, let alone twice at two different schools. Ask Steve Spurrier—-Urban Meyer already has.
10. Schadenfreude.—-Wishful thinking by rival fans does not make it so.
Not Disappointed
July 16th, 2009
10:32 am
Urban Meyer without a doubt can Coach and brings excitement to the game of College Football. I recall, when he first came to Florida and all the complaining by a few fans. “Would his type of offense work in the SEC?”
I believe Urban Meyer will be in Florida for a long time. He has a great back-up quarterback and loads of quality Atheletes for picking. “Like picking Fruit.” He’s in FLorida, “Do not get it TwIsTed!” UGA and Ga Tech goes there for players.
He will be there for a long time to come, which is sad for my brother, being a die hard dog fan.
“Ramblin Wreck!”
steve
July 16th, 2009
10:32 am
If you can’t beat them…hope they dissappear. ROLL RIDE.
TS
July 16th, 2009
10:38 am
Change jobs in this economy? I don’t think so!
I’m glad he put this to rest. The only thing people that FL has owned these past few years can say is, “wait until Urban goes to ND.” It ain’t happenin’. “Ever.”
DamnGoodDawg
July 16th, 2009
10:42 am
When Saint Timothy is gone, Fl will still be the top team in the SEC. But they will be more vulnerable…whatever that’s worth. Tibow is the difference at Florida right now…not Urban Crier. That said, My boy Richt will never be considered a great coach until he beats Florida regularly (at least 50%) and wins a National Championship. I see neither in the near future.
gdawginkalamazoo
July 16th, 2009
10:42 am
I think Meyer looks at coaches like Spurrier and Holtz and says to himself “dammit I don’t want to end up coaching South Carolina in my old age”. Obivously he has to give the definititive statement for recruiting purposes just in case Wei$$ has a break out year and wins 8 or 9 games and Notre Dame decides to re-up his contract because he beat all four service academies plus the Coast Guard. Just like Saban didn’t want to interrupt his great recruiting class while he was head coach at the Dolphins.
baconboy
July 16th, 2009
10:45 am
Tony, what is interesting from your column is how carefully you avoid using Finebaum’s name and the substance of his article. There’s a difference between a columnist speculating about why someone might leave (as many of the people here in the com boxes are doing) and flat out calling a man a liar based only on speculation and no real facts. As a journalist, Tony, I’m wish you hadn’t sidestepped the ethical implications of the story on Finebaum’s side and instead only focused on Urban. Do you think that Finebaum crossed a line? Would you call a coach a liar based only on speculation about what might happen in the future?
Atlanta Gator
July 16th, 2009
10:46 am
gdawg~zoo—-” . . . all four service academies plus the Coast Guard.” (?)
Gen Neyland
July 16th, 2009
10:51 am
He’ll have to keep the program clean, avoid the dreaded scandals and keep the love alive in the Bog…
Jeff Sanchez
July 16th, 2009
10:51 am
This is a long term process (building a football program). I always say there are only about eight or 10 really good football programs where year in and year out they win.”
Source: Urban Meyer Press Conference, November 13, 2002
“We are nowhere near what we can do here. That’s what’s driving me right now. Everybody’s worried about those other places; nothing’s going on.”
Source: Bowling Green Sentinel, December 6, 2002
“I was contacted by one, but I’m not interested. I love it here. We have a lot of work to do. That’s the bottom line.”
Source: Bowling Green Sentinel, December 6, 2002
“With recruits, that’s been for two years, even before we won. [They say,] ‘that guy’s not going to be there very long’; that’s silly … The future is fantastic here … I’m proud to be the football coach here. Once they get to know me, know my family, know how important it is to have continuity, my kids going to school somewhere.”
Source: Bowling Green Sentinel, December 6, 2002
“I think you all but guarantee that you are one of the top two, three teams in the league every year if you get that [new athletic facility] here. I feel so strong about the academics, about the community, the environment, about the people. It’s the last piece; it’s a significant piece.”
Source: Bowling Green Sentinel, December 6, 2002
“In the words of any Bowling Green football player today: ‘I thought we were your family.’ Bowling Green’s players are understandably angry at Meyer for leaving. Every day he would preach team loyalty. Meyer carried his we-are-family concept to the extreme, even bunking in the same dorm with the Falcons during preseason workouts.”
Source: Toledo Blade, December 13, 2002
“Notre Dame is my dream job.”
Source: Memory, January 1, 2003
“It [leaving Bowling Green] was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was devastating. I didn’t realize — and maybe I wasn’t thinking clearly — but I thought it was going to be one of those things where you shake hands, give a big hug and say ‘good luck.’”
Source: Deseret News, October 5, 2004
“First of all, I love it here. But I’m second fiddle. My family is No. 1, and they love it here. As long as we’re filling the stadium, as long as we’re continuing to grow as a program and as long as I feel these student-athletes are getting the best opportunity to be a top 25 program — which I think it is — I’m going to be the coach here.”
Source: Deseret News, October 30, 2004
“I plan on coaching here for a long time.”
Source: Deseret News, November 15, 2004
“Meyer told the New York Times last week, ‘I’m chicken. It would be excruciating to leave. When I left Bowling Green, it was the worst three months.’”
Source: Deseret News, November 17, 2004
“Wrote Mike Sorenson, ‘It’s been well-documented that Meyer’s wife, Shelley, was a big factor in Meyer taking the Utah job. She wanted to move back to the West because she enjoyed the family’s time in Colorado when he was an assistant at Colorado State. Shelley and the kids seem to love the outdoor lifestyle, and she has told friends and neighbors that they aren’t going anywhere.’”
Source: Deseret News, November 17, 2004
“Mike Sorenson wrote, ‘Some folks may question his loyalty because he left Bowling Green after just two years. But Meyer has said, the six months after that was one of the hardest times of his life, because he felt so bad for leaving. Does he really want to go through that again just two years later?’ [um, yes.]”
Source: Deseret News, November 17, 2004
“I plan on coaching at Utah next year. There’s been no contact made. Period. It’s almost comical. We’re playing the biggest game in the history of the school and we’re talking about that. That’s nothing to do with nothing. [Shelley Meyer served her employer 2-weeks notice the next day.]”
Source: Deseret News, November 17, 2004
“Wrote Antony A Engligh, “Shelley will be heavily involved in Meyer’s next move. ‘She’s a coach’s wife, that’s what she does for a living,’ Bud Meyer said. ‘It’s a big job. It’s a job that she (wants) to be informed, but she does a very good job.’””
Source: St. Petersburg Times, November 17, 2004
“There’s been no contact and I really don’t anticipate any. I’m certainly not looking for a job. I love where I’m coaching.”
Source: Deseret News, November 18, 2004
“When asked by a young boy if he was going to be the coach next year, Urban replied very directly, ‘I plan on being the coach at the University of Utah next year.’”
Source: Urban Meyer Coach’s Show, November 18, 2004
“As long as I’m married, I’ll be the coach at Utah. [exact date unknown, source is a local sports show]”
Source: Memory, November 20, 2004
“Though Meyer is frequently mentioned as a candidate for more lucurative coaching jobs, he denies any contact has been made. ‘I’m not out looking, so if someone’s waiting for me to pick up the phone it’s not going to happen,’ said Meyer. And there’s little chance of that over the next four days. Meyer plans to turn his telephone off over the holiday break while he spends lost time with his family. He isn’t expecting a lot of calls, anyhow. Word is out that he loves Utah, Meyer explained, and schools are funny about that. Despite speculation to the contrary, including a Florida fan-based Web site that reported a deal with Meyer has already been reached, the coach insists he represents himself. And that no talks have taken place. ‘I don’t have an agent. People are trying to get me to have one, but I’m just not comfortable with that kind of stuff,’ said Meyer. ‘I’m coaching my team and taking care of my family.’”
Source: Deseret News, November 24, 2004
“[When asked about Florida:] No. I have no real comment. All I keep saying is I plan on being the coach here at Utah.”
Source: Deseret News, November 30, 2004
” It’s not about prestige and it’s certainly not about money. In today’s climate, you don’t have time to build a program. Too many coaches are let go before they can build a program.”
Source: Deseret News, December 2, 2004
“I’m going to a place where I think we can really win, because no good can come of losing. Losing is never good.”
Source: Deseret News, December 2, 2004
“I’m the head coach at Utah. If for some reason I’m not, I still anticipate coaching in the bowl game.”
Source: Deseret News, December 3, 2004
“This was a family decision. University of Florida has been in the mix since the day, uh [pause] after our rival game. … There was no intention to hurt a great university [Notre Dame], including this university [Utah the afterthought].”
Source: ESPN SportsCenter, December 4, 2004
“Recruiting at Utah doesn’t start ’till January. That’s when these kids that wanted to go to USC and UCLA find out they won’t be and then the Utes get them.”
Source: Press Conference, December 4, 2004
“I didn’t want to put Utah into disarray. I had to do this now to protect Utah.”
Source: KUTV News, December 4, 2004
“I am certainly excited about the opportunity to be the head coach at the University of Florida. There were a lot of factors that went into this decision that our entire family had to consider. The opportunity to compete at the highest level at one of the nation’s most-respected academic institutions is something that was attractive for us.”
Source: GatorZone.com, December 4, 2004
“The quality of recruits within the state of Florida and the Southeast Region offers a tremendous recruiting base for us.”
Source: GatorZone.com, December 4, 2004
“There’s no such thing as luck, there’s a big word called investment. If there was luck, why work as hard as we do. I’ve never been involved in a game where the most invested team lost.”
Source: GatorZone.com, December 4, 2004
“[Referring to Florida:] This is a place you can put your feet down hopefully for a long time.”
Source: ESPN, December 7, 2004
“I have no aspirations to coach in the NFL None whatsoever. It’s all about the pageantry and tradition of college football, which in my opinion is second to none.”
Source: ESPN, December 7, 2004
“This is a place you can put your feet down for a long time. It’s over [moving every 2 years]. I’m not doing this again.”
Source: GatorSports.com, December 8, 2004
“If he goes to the NFL, you can call me a liar,” his wife, Shelley, said. “That’s not happening.”
Source: GatorSports.com, December 8, 2004
“In the words of any Bowling Green football player today: ‘I thought we were your family.’ Bowling Green’s players are understandably angry at Meyer for leaving. Every day he would preach team loyalty. Meyer carried his we-are-family concept to the extreme, even bunking in the same dorm with the Falcons during preseason workouts.”
Source: Toledo Blade, December 13, 2004
“I’m not going to Notre Dame. Ever.”
Source: Pat Dooley, It’s Always Sunny in Gainesville, July 13, 2009
Miles
July 16th, 2009
10:51 am
Notre Dame has always had to recruit nationally as opposed to regionally. Why, then, is it now that Notre Dame (with its tradition, history, etc.) can’t recruit top athletes? The entire thing seems very strange to me. Some people have made reference to their academic standards. Is this true?
BYRON MCCORKLE
July 16th, 2009
10:52 am
BEFORE URBAN MEYER GOES TO NOTRE DAME HE WOULD COACH AT OHIO STATE, OHIO PERSON BORN & RAISED (ASHTABULA) COACH AS ASSISTANCE AT OSU, CINCINNATI, AND HIGH SCHOOL CONNECTIONS TO OHIO, COACH AT BOWLING GREEN, AND I BELIEVE HAS A RELATIVE RELATIONSHIP IN FAMILY TO EARL BRUCE (OLE 9-3 EARLE) SO THAT IS MORE OF A POSSIBILITY THAN NOTRE DAME. HOWEVER AS SAID IN COLUMN WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE FLORIDA FOR NOTRE DAME IT RECRUIT BASE IS NEXT TO NOTHING NOW, AS OPPOSED TO FLORIDA OR OHIO
Leon "Pooch-Kick" Trotsky
July 16th, 2009
10:56 am
Jeff Sanchez,
That’s like reading War & Peace
bull-gator
July 16th, 2009
10:56 am
If he ever leaves UF it will be to the NFL to run his spread offense. The NFL will be running variations of it over the next few years and Meyer will be there to perfect it into a Super Bowl win. I suspect if he wins a 3rd or 4th BCS Championship over the next 3-5 years you can color him gone…like to Miami, Tampa Bay or Jacksonville.
READY
July 16th, 2009
10:56 am
Please leave before CMR moves the game out of Jacksonville, college’s greatest venue.
G8R GRAD
July 16th, 2009
10:58 am
It seems to me that if we are going to lose Coach Meyer to anyone it’s going to be the NFL. For the same reasons SOS left. Like Spurrier Meyer has been successful in the collegiate ranks and at some point may see the pros as the logical next step.
Think about it, the “Wildcat” offense has enjoyed significant popularity of recent in the NFL because of its theoretical offensive advantage (eliminating the “extra” defender freed up after a QB executes the play)), so the logical next step in that progression is to install a full-blown spread offense. Who better to ask to do so but one of the biggest proponents of it. Add to that the apparent trend of many of the QB’s being recruited these days are the run/pass progeny of Tim Tebow.
If UM goes anywhere, my money’s on the pros.
His success there is anybody’s guess (see SOS), but IMHO, it’s the strongest possibility.
HH
July 16th, 2009
10:59 am
Urban can hang around UF as long as he wants. The other schools who constantly whine about Urban’s hanging around, and I can think of one in particular, should quit worrying about it and have guts enough to go out and find and hire a coach who can compete with him. So far, I don’t see any of them making any moves to do it. If they are all satisfied about being #2 in the East or runner-up in the SEC, then they should shut up. For your own sake, don’t let your attachment to a particular coach because he’s “this or that” kind of guy stop you. There’s some coach out there coaching at some level of college football right now who has the “smarts and the drive” to compete with Urban and not blink. All you have to do is get up off your a__ and go out there and find him. But if your too damn happy with ten victories a year, or whatever, to make any effort, then simply shut up. You have the money; at least one of you does. Otherwise quit whining.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
10:59 am
If I’m not mistaken Jeff Sanchez just laid the smack down. Please confirm.
TideRules
July 16th, 2009
11:06 am
After about 10 more years he may leave, after winning 3-4 more national titles, but he’s not leaving anytime soon, especially since ND will not pay $4-5 mil per year that Florida will. Plus, he gets tons of endorsement cash from all these florida corporations and can recruit a ton of talent within a few hours of campus. He’s got the dream job now, just like Saban at Bama.
gdawginkalamazoo
July 16th, 2009
11:06 am
Atl Gator, I should have said three plus the Merchant Marines and the Coast Guard. My bad.
Anybody questioning the ability for ND to match any offers monetarily is just plain crazy. The other factors I will give you but the jack would be no problem for ND. Recruiting the same way with a top notch coach like Meyer would be no problem.
IRISH25
July 16th, 2009
11:07 am
WE DON’T WANT HIM!!!!
reservoirDAWG
July 16th, 2009
11:10 am
I don’t know what the future holds, but he’d be a fool to leave UF for ND.
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
11:14 am
Jeff Sanchez,
Although long, that’s a very good post. Can’t say that I’ve seen many of those quotes before. Obviously nothing to argue there as that is what he said at those different points in his life/career. My first thought is things change as well as people change their minds/feelings, we just don’t have to do it in the paper, on radio, or TV so there’s no record of our flip-flopping. I’d also like to think the circumstances at each school were different, but in all honesty, something might look more attractive than UF in the future. I don’t think it’s ND, but as always I could be wrong. It does seem like he regretted leaving Bowling Green which is an interesting insight, but all in all, as to the question originally posed, I do believe him in that he’s not leaving to go coach at ND. Doesn’t mean he won’t leave though.
dap01
July 16th, 2009
11:14 am
Who cares? But seriously, would you leave the SEC and Florida to go to Notre Dame? ND’s big games are against Navy. I don’t think so.
ND is not one of the big schools anymore. They are as stale as the contract that they signed with NBC. Now neither NBC or ND or revelant.
Atlanta Gator
July 16th, 2009
11:16 am
Jeff Sanchez—-Sorry that NFL opportunity with Detroit didn’t work out for you, but there is life after football, right?
Quite a list of quotes you have there. You have either spent a lot of time or found the mother load on someone else’s column. In any event, the repetitive weight of the ten years of Urban Meyer quotes does not change the simple facts:
1. In 2002, Utah was a better job than Bowling Green.
2. In 2004, Florida was a better job than Utah.
3. In 2009, Notre Dame is not a better job than Florida.
I would never begrudge anyone the opportunity to accept a better job, for more pay, better working conditions, or new and greater professional challenges. But, on that basis, I don’t see Urban Meyer leaving any time soon. Only the challenge of rebuilding yesteryear’s dynasty could possibly offer any attraction . . .
Please feel free to offer up some more quotes pertinent to these facts.
Got 12?
July 16th, 2009
11:17 am
If ND fires Weiss after this season, UM will not take the job for two reasons:
1. He wants to prove that his system is what wins championships, not just one player
2. His son is too young to uproot
If ND or Ohio St. open up a couple of years down the road, and he’s gone. In his biography, UM states that ND is his dream job. Also in the book, he states that ND, Ohio St and Mich are jobs he would take regardless of what his wife has to say about it.
the Future
July 16th, 2009
11:17 am
i don’t think he’s going anywhere.wishfull thinking dawg fans.i hope he stays another 10 or 20 years.Gators Own the Dawgs and thats a fact.
Ramblinwreck1378
July 16th, 2009
11:18 am
God I love the Georgia fans on here that are firmly stating that he is leaving at the end of the year, and there’s no shot of him coming back.. Blah Blah Blah.
Personally, I have no idea if the guy is gone at the end of this year, next year, or this decade. But what I do know is that Georgia fans should really stop trying to talk themselves into thinking he’s leaving. Just get better and beat him more than once. I mean seriously, man up and stop hoping he’s going to run away so you don’t have to deal with him. You sound like a bunch of sissys.
gatorman770
July 16th, 2009
11:19 am
WhiningRicht and the rest of the lowlifescumbag coaches that spread the lies that “Urban is leaving the Gators” to sway recruits are the one’s that cause this subject to keep coming up.
WhiningRicht will leave the curgawgs and return to Florida State loooooong before Urban leaves the Gators!
Ramblinwreck1378
July 16th, 2009
11:20 am
And Irish, please tell me. If you don’t want Urban Meyer, then who do you want? Because it damn sure isn’t Charlie Weis. That fat sack of crap couldn’t coach his way out of a paper bag. Notre Dame is a non-factor.
Joey
July 16th, 2009
11:20 am
I am one Dawg fan who doesn’t despise Meyer. I think a lot of us would trade Richt for Myer is we had the chance. They are both great recruiters, but the comparisons end there. Myer doesn’t tolerate mediocrity in his assistants (Richt does), is a great sideline coach (Richt is not), and when he has the talent and gets in the big game, he seals the deal. He has made UF the biggest name in college football and probably the only thing that could lure him away is the NFL. Bill Belichick visits two college head coaches during the off-season to lear their new offensive and defensive schemes. Saban and Meyer. No, he doesn’t visit Athens…
One-Liners For 7/16/09, Part Two | MrSEC.com
July 16th, 2009
11:20 am
[...] Houston Nutt and Bobby Petrino just missed the cut.Tony Barnhart — also of The AJC — believes Florida’s Meyer when he says he’s staying put in Gainesville. (I do, too… where’s he gonna find a better job?)New Georgia assistant [...]
Atlanta Gator
July 16th, 2009
11:22 am
Charlotte Gator—-Regarding Bowling Green . . . we all remember our first love, but that doesn’t mean we all married our high school sweetheart.
gdawginkalamazoo
July 16th, 2009
11:24 am
Just to put it on the record, this Georgia fan doesn’t care if Meyer stays or goes. Wishing that he leaves so that we might be able to beat Florida IS NOT the way to go about turning this series around in our favor again. Putting more points on the scoreboard is. Fielding a team that never lets up for 60 minutes is.
G8R GRAD
July 16th, 2009
11:32 am
Joey:
With all the speculation as to where/what position Tebow would play in the NFL, don’t you think Coach Belichick would LOVE to see Tim passed over as a QB for a TE or HB position by other teams and grab him for the Pats’ and install a spread offense hybrid there?
With the injury to his QB last year, NE was considerably hamstrung.
What better hedge against a repeat of that nightmare than to rotate a Tebow in and capitalize on the added threat of a Wildcat offense with a true throwing running back?
CharlotteGator
July 16th, 2009
11:36 am
Atlanta Gator,
Good point. I really wish I had some witty comeback like “Carla was the prom queen” like Cage in The Rock, but sadly I do not.
Ramblin Rick
July 16th, 2009
11:37 am
49-10
Please confirm ASAP
OldRat
July 16th, 2009
11:38 am
“Class of 98″, lay off that Paul Johnson stuff. You are just concerned that he might be able to steal some speed out of the state of Florida, if his success continues at The North Avenue School For Boys.
gdawginkalamazoo
July 16th, 2009
11:39 am
G8R GRAD, IMO the reason that most likely won’t happen is because of the pounding that Tebow would take. He is one tough dude who can receive a hit as well as he can give one but at that level he would not last very long in the league. In college, some guys hit hard, in the NFL they all hit hard.
GSUEAGLE98
July 16th, 2009
11:48 am
I wish Dawg fans would stop wishing Urban Meyer and Tebow would leave. Please!!!!!! If you want to be the best, beat the best. It has been done before.
Go Eagles!!!!!!! Go Dawgs!!!!!!!
Atlanta Gator
July 16th, 2009
11:50 am
Charlotte Gator—-One caveat: Unless you’re the Evil Genius, and your wife ‘Jeri was the homecoming queen.” The Rock ain’t got nothin’ on the Evil Genius. LOL
G8R GRAD
July 16th, 2009
11:50 am
Gdawg:
Precisely the point of the Wildcat offense’s improvement by a true throwing rinning back:
The “extra” defender must commit to covering the run, or the pass (but can’t obviously do both) freeing the playmaker to enjoy blocking protection (presumably of all run defenders) when running or simply dump the ball upfield or in the flats before the pass coverage can unload on him.