2009 season took its toll on Meyer
Little surprises me any more but I was stunned tonight to learn that Urban Meyer would resign as the head coach at Florida after the Sugar Bowl.
It was widely known in the football community that this season was a very stressful one for Meyer, who is only 45. The pressure of defending the national championship, being No. 1 for the entire season, and various off the field problems eventually took their toll on Meyer.
There was the Tim Tebow concussion and the constant second-guessing that came with his decision to let Tebow play against LSU.
Then came the Brandon Spikes eye-gouging incident against Georgia. Meyer originally suspended Spikes for only one half and was hit with a storm of national media criticism. Spikes later “asked” that his suspension extended to a full game and even that decision was met with skepticism.
He was fined $30,000 by the SEC office for commenting on officiating.
And finally there was the worst incident of all when defensive end Carlos Dunlap was arrested on an alcohol related incident on the Monday before the SEC championship game. Meyer never said this publicly but it was the worst kind of betrayal by a player on the eve of the biggest game of the year. Florida would not have beaten Alabama even if Dunlap had played. But the Gators got embarrassed and seemed shell shocked.
Put it all together and you can understand what may have led Meyer to this decision. There are health issues involved here but none of us knew it was this serious. I spoke to several people close to the Florida program Saturday night and they were just stunned.
I visited with Meyer before the SEC championship game on Dec. 5 and thought he looked thin. In the post-game press conference after the loss to Alabama, he looked drained. He was admitted to the hospital for what the school said was dehydration. Several people told me they heard it was more serious.
Regardless of the school you support, this is sad. The man is a helluva football coach.
And now the dominoes start to fall. Who does Florida hire? Jeremy Foley has to pick up the phone and call Bob Stoops of Oklahoma and make him say no. And if Stoops says no, where does Florida go next? Do you call Dan Mullen, who just left Florida to take over at Mississippi State? There is no question that Florida’s offense lost something when Mullen left Gainesville.
All I know is that this is one of those big moments in the history of the SEC which can change the power structure of the league. I remember the day in January of 2002 when Steve Spurrier announced he was leaving Florida after 12 seasons. We were all stunned. This feels a lot like that.
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231 comments Add your comment
hjay
December 26th, 2009
8:11 pm
Best wishes to coach Meyer. He was a very tough competitor. There are a lot of excellent coaches out there and I’m sure FL will get one. The program should continue to be strong over the years.
mcg dawg
December 26th, 2009
8:12 pm
All the sly comments being made can’t change the fact that the man can recruit and coach college football at the highest level. PERIOD!
Lane Kiffin
December 26th, 2009
8:12 pm
Da Cheeta is gone!
collegeballfan
December 26th, 2009
8:13 pm
Some of you Dawg fans are embarrassing your team, not that you care. But you are. Talk about a lack of class.
HoCoJo
December 26th, 2009
8:14 pm
This is a perfect time to bow out at Florida. Coach Tebow one more time, and take care of your health.
We’ll miss Urban Meyer. He is responsible for the level of intensity that exists in SEC football. I’d hate to be the one that tries to fill those shoes!
defactodawg
December 26th, 2009
8:14 pm
ESPN reporting heart muscle problem as the cause for resignation
Fan
December 26th, 2009
8:16 pm
How did Urban Myer resigning turn this into a bulldawg blog? The man’s health may be the issue, and there is no indication of anything else and the dognation vultures are circling. Dawgs still need to worry about UF, with or without Myer as you have lost to them so often, it really does not matter who coaches them. Besides, KY is on the rise and you lost to them badly. Thus, worry about your own program and don’t make fun of another man’s health or misfortune. Folks, it is just a game.
Punting is not an Option
December 26th, 2009
8:16 pm
Wouldn’t it be a hoot if Fla hires CPJ?
Hayseed Dixie
December 26th, 2009
8:16 pm
Hey Scout Dog,
Chances are the biggest responsibility you have is who to have operating the french fryer.
Chest pains, especially when you have kids, are a nightmare.
Yep, this is Christmas for the Cowardly Dogs. You guys are COWARDS.
C-O-W-A-R-D-S.
Dawgs97
December 26th, 2009
8:19 pm
Billy, actually, it seems to me MOST Dawg fans are being respectful, especially considering this is over health, which most fans would agree is bigger than football.
I love Georgia, hate Florida, couldn’t stand Meyer as UF coach, but now wish him good health. As a hated rival, I personally don’t feel good to see a rival leave the game this way. I may not have liked him, but he’s one of the best coaches in football. Wow.
bala
December 26th, 2009
8:19 pm
This is an hogwash…!!! He will join his alma matter Notre Dame in a year…He was never a true Gator…Before you criticize my comment, just wait for an year…
In case he is really serious about his health, then best of luck to him and his family…Only time will tell…..
ThatGuy!
December 26th, 2009
8:20 pm
Word is he is heart broken that his Timmy is leaving him!
Dawgs97
December 26th, 2009
8:21 pm
Florida fans, before you go and rip all Georgia fans, please do read that MOST Georgia fans put health above football and wish him good health.
I can’t wait to root against the Gators in all games, but I am saddened to see a great coach leave the game of football for this reason.
I also want to say that I personally noticed that most Florida fans were in fact respectful when UGA VII died so I would say to my fellow Dawg fans to be as respectful in this case in return. It’s the right thing to do.
Go Dawgs.
marseilles mutt
December 26th, 2009
8:22 pm
Sorry to hear ithe news.He was an excellant coach and will be again, if he ever decides,or is able to get back into it.
Won’t have to worry re the new dc, for the new coach will surely bring his own staff. Is anyone left to tend the store?
,
jesse james
December 26th, 2009
8:22 pm
collegeballfan – Don’t pay any of those guys much attention. The true Dawg fan hates to see any coach have to leave for health or family problems. It makes you realize how much pressure is on these guys. They partly bring it on themselves with the big salaries, but you can’t blame them especially the way Coach Bowden was treated. There is so much out there like these fools on the interenet, the media, and the call in shows. The coaches that stay at one school for along time should really be appreciated.
Fan
December 26th, 2009
8:23 pm
Interesting comparison of a dog’s death to a man’s potential health troubles. That said, this was a more mature post. Much better and a lot classier than others.
where's HERCHEL?
December 26th, 2009
8:25 pm
ain’t it hilarious! the nutlickers actually think they have a chance now!!
The Grinch
December 26th, 2009
8:25 pm
I don’t like him either, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect him or wish him well.
Super Dog
December 26th, 2009
8:25 pm
Hey TECH
Well lets see if your coach SMALL JOHNY is really that great.
If he really is FLA will now hire him NOT!!!!! He sucks and wont even get an interview
Another note these loser players that we have like Boykin and Rambo who didnt want to go to the childrens hospital and griped about going to the bowl need to leave our Program like Willie.
Hey Willie and Garner great job bringing this crap to our program.
Dawgs97
December 26th, 2009
8:25 pm
If Bob Stoops (and he’ll be the first phone call by Jeremy Foley) is not the next head coach, it will be Dan Mullen.
Just my gut feeling as the two most obvious candidates.
Fan
December 26th, 2009
8:27 pm
I assume that UF can hire anyone they want, so they will get a good coach. There is always a transition period, but with their level of talent and recent record of excellence, they should do just fine. Plus, if Myer stays at UF in some capacity, they will likely not lose many if any recruits. They should be fine. Besides, a strong UF is good for the SEC.
Dawgs97
December 26th, 2009
8:29 pm
Hey Fan,
I am 110% sincere in that I was not trying to be disrespectful by comparing Urban’s health to the passing of our mascot, I simply wanted to point out that during a time that was a depressing week for us Georgia fans, I felt that most Florida fans were respectful about it.
Yes, my intent to be respectful about this whole thing. Again, very sorry to all Gator fans about the resignation of Meyer over his health. Wish him good health.
jesse james
December 26th, 2009
8:29 pm
I’m just curious, but I know his wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator left to go to LSU, now did his recuiting coodinator last year leave also?
KY Grad
December 26th, 2009
8:30 pm
Good heavens Super Dog, talk about ugly and angry. First you go after Tech when they are not a part of this, and then you make ugly comments about your players. I suppose if you really were a UGA grad, you would handle yourself with a little more intelligence and class.
Macdiddy
December 26th, 2009
8:30 pm
Foley don’t be stupid. Make one phone call and hold a press conference in the morning for coach Steve to return. Fla has the pieces in place to succeed at the level he was used to.
Bobby
December 26th, 2009
8:31 pm
I wish Urban Meyer a long and happy life with his family and loved ones. That is more important than anything. I would also quit a job I loved if it meant staying healthy.
That being said, Dear Jeremy Foley, might I recommend Willie Martinez? He’s available…
BBB
December 26th, 2009
8:32 pm
As a huge Georgia fan , I wish Coach Meyer the best.
Dawgs97
December 26th, 2009
8:32 pm
Re-hiring Spurrier would be a mistake, for the simple fact that the man is in his 60s and is at the tail end of his career. I have a feeling if you polled most Gator fans, they’d want someone younger than Spurrier.
jesse james
December 26th, 2009
8:32 pm
Hey where’sherchel? – We have always thought we had a chance.
Fan
December 26th, 2009
8:33 pm
Well said Dawgs97. This is just a game, hate should never really be a part of it. Root hard for your team, and do it with collegiality and sportsmanship. The Internet and sports radio have created an ugly environment. Again, well said.
jesse james
December 26th, 2009
8:34 pm
Next Florida Coach will be from Utah or Mississippi State- I think Lou Holtz has it right.
Fan
December 26th, 2009
8:35 pm
I agree Jesse.
BIRDDAWGDONE
December 26th, 2009
8:35 pm
Hayseed Dixie:
You want to talk about a COWARD, look in the mirror. I bet you eat french fries everyday. I bet you never told the french fries cooks how little you think of them. Anyone who talks negatively about hard working people (BEHIND the internet) who cook french fries is the DEFINITION OF A COWARD!
I for one was looking forward to seeing Meyers in his POST RIDING TEBOWS CRYBABY COATTAIL DAYS.
I hope Urban gets better and can return to coaching one day- my prayers are with his wife and children.
Georgia
December 26th, 2009
8:39 pm
Coach Meyer, I wish you the best.
Lane Kiffin
December 26th, 2009
8:42 pm
Hey Urbie, If ya scared…say ya scared..
jesse james
December 26th, 2009
8:44 pm
I can tell you Lane, he damn sure ain’t scared of you, neither is any other SEC coach. Only people that are scared of you and Pearl are the Police and Campus of Security. They are scared of what you surround yourself with.
mmjhokiegirl
December 26th, 2009
8:47 pm
The photographs with Tebow will be hitting the National Enquirer tomorrow.
Sick of It
December 26th, 2009
8:47 pm
Who cares? The man didn’t die. And Fla fans would be giving it to us twice as bad if it was Richt. Good riddance. And Gayters, get ready to go back to the 80’s!
PJ
December 26th, 2009
8:49 pm
I stumbled into these blog comments since I have such respect for Urban Meyer as a man and a coach. So many of these blog comments are infantile. I feel like I have wandered into recess time of a bunch of 2nd graders telling fart jokes. Grow up most of you folks. I live in the Middle Atlantic. How did UGA even work its way into concerns and commentary for Coach Meyer? UGA fans, enjoy the Poulan Weedeater Bowl, or whatever its called these days, in thrilling Shreveport. Here’s a hint: Neighboring Bossier City is an even more exciting place! Zzzzz…
northern sympathizer
December 26th, 2009
8:52 pm
Shocking and sad news about Meyer. Stoops makes the most logical sense to me-Florida connection, established and successful headcoach. There really isn’t a head coach in the market as innovative as Meyer was 5 years ago. The gators will take a hit with his loss.
Dawgs97
December 26th, 2009
8:54 pm
PJ, despite your remarks, if this had happened with Richt, I do believe most Gator fans would be respectful about it. Health is most important than football, end of story and anyone on this blog going off on either side whether you’re a Georgia, Tenn, Florida, Ga Tech or any other team’s fan, just something for us all to keep in mind.
I’ll go back to hating Florida in our football rivalry, but a coach resigning at age 45 over health is serious business and something not for any fan base to make light of. Just something we should all keep in mind, sitting there at our keyboards.
jesse james
December 26th, 2009
8:54 pm
Florida’s offense struggled this year and they will want to hire an offensive coach and he is in Starkville, Miss. I wish Coach Meyer and his family the best.
BBB
December 26th, 2009
8:55 pm
Fans at Miss. State, Louisville and Oklahoma are VERY nervous right now.
John
December 26th, 2009
9:00 pm
I hope and will pray that the coach is well or soon will be. God bless all concerned.
Mike
December 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
I remember when Spurrier left Florida back in 2001. UGA mutts were convinced they would finally be able to beat the mighty Gators. Meanwhile, a 2-7 record against Florida later….
Dawg98
December 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
As a Dawg fan, sad to hear of Coach Meyer’s troubled times and hope he’s okay. The dawg fans on here that are glad of this news thinking we win more now…I don’t care who is coaching, UGA should be winning whoever the opposing coach. If our winning is dependent on Meyer stepping down then we won’t be winning any time soon!
Tebow
December 26th, 2009
9:05 pm
Maybe we should call a couple time outs to savor the next few days?
Jimmy
December 26th, 2009
9:07 pm
Sorry to hear about Meyer.
Hope he can recover from whatever ails him.
Meyer’s resignation vaults Mullen’s name into conversation at Florida at Mississippi State sports
December 26th, 2009
9:13 pm
[...] name, so that begs this blog’s attention. There’s Pat Forde of ESPN.com. There’s Tony Barnhart, Mr. College Football. Yahoo’s Tom Dienhart. I’m told Lou Holtz mentioned Mullen on [...]
Fan
December 26th, 2009
9:15 pm
Again, not sure how this is about Uga. The blogger above got it right, many of the posts are infantile. Just wish him the best, speculate on who might replace him and leave the garbage and ugly posts elsewhere, especially you “Sick of It.”