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.

231 comments Add your comment

Tom M

December 26th, 2009
7:43 pm

I just hope first and foremost Meyer is fine…

THWG

December 26th, 2009
7:44 pm

The Grinch

December 26th, 2009
7:44 pm

According to a Sports Illustrated article earlier this year, he has a spider ganglion on his brain that swells when he gets stressed and causes extreme pain. It’s been bothering him his whole coaching career.

I hate the Gators and am glad they may be on the way down, but I hate it to be due to injury or medical condition.

uga uga uga

December 26th, 2009
7:44 pm

maybe we can beat UF in a couple of years now?

haywood...

December 26th, 2009
7:44 pm

Jack

December 26th, 2009
7:45 pm

The Gators should hire Steve Spurrier back. With the talent there he would be like a kid in a candy store.After coaching the abysmal talent he is limited to in SC., he would go straight to the national championship.

Tom M

December 26th, 2009
7:45 pm

…as for who Foley goes after: Patterson (TCU), Petersen (Boise State), not sure… Do not envy Foley.

Buzz29

December 26th, 2009
7:46 pm

Hope this doesn’t end like Tiger’s saga.

Kiffin

December 26th, 2009
7:46 pm

Will be interesting to see how long it takes for a publicist to write a statement for Kiffin. He’s too much of a schmuck to actually say anything compassionate or with a hint of sportsmanship.

THWUT!

rhb what up chris???

December 26th, 2009
7:46 pm

go dawgs baby…we’ll take it any way we can get it!

charles

December 26th, 2009
7:46 pm

As a Dawg, I have nothing but respect for Meyer as a coach. I’m glad he’s gone and hope that his health doesn’t impact the rest of his life.

Gumby

December 26th, 2009
7:47 pm

Good man, good coach. Sorry to see anyone, player or coach, go out due to medical reasons.

richtisthenewfulmer

December 26th, 2009
7:47 pm

Fulmer has thrown his hat into the ring.
Wow does this shift the balance of power if the correct hire is not made.
Really opens the door for recruits to jump ship.

durtydogg

December 26th, 2009
7:48 pm

I’m a dawg fan and this bothered me! Its just a game. Mr. Meyer, please stay healthy.

Short list for the job?

December 26th, 2009
7:50 pm

Gotta figure that some big time names could be up for this one. patterson or petersen could be interesting…

The Other St. Simons

December 26th, 2009
7:50 pm

Get well soon CUM.

its sexual

December 26th, 2009
7:51 pm

and he caught it at the sec coaches meeting. all sec coaches are being tested . Tiger gate was nothing compared to whats gonna go down here..the real boys club…GO DOGS !!

Gator Gary

December 26th, 2009
7:52 pm

This may mark the end of the Urban era, the Gator reign will continue.

Any truth to the rumor that Tebow is #1 candidate?

December 26th, 2009
7:52 pm

I’m sure ESPN will bring it up

Tim Tebow

December 26th, 2009
7:53 pm

His health is fine, I just hired him to be my personal entourage during my NFL days.

DawgBreath

December 26th, 2009
7:53 pm

Get well Corch Meyers… go Dawgs!

Bo in North Carolina

December 26th, 2009
7:53 pm

Although I’m a Ga Dawg sorry to hear of Myer’s health problems. Best wishes and prayers for improved health.

hmmm

December 26th, 2009
7:54 pm

mark richt is up for the job

Billy

December 26th, 2009
7:54 pm

Let the inappropriate comments from UGA fans begin…..

its sexual

December 26th, 2009
7:55 pm

mark richt is up for the job…lol…..

its sexual

December 26th, 2009
7:56 pm

eat it Billy its our time to shine

Willie Martinez

December 26th, 2009
7:57 pm

I’m available.

Asheville Dawg

December 26th, 2009
7:57 pm

OH well the wicked witch is__________________. FILL IN YOUR OWN DANG BLANK>

its sexual

December 26th, 2009
7:59 pm

all this great news , it must be x-mas. DOGS RULE !!!

Willie Martinez

December 26th, 2009
7:59 pm

So typical and classless…
“go dawgs baby…we’ll take it any way we can get it!”

Ree Roe

December 26th, 2009
7:59 pm

As a Dawgs fan, I hope he’s healthy if that’s really the reason he’s stepping down. Methinks the reality of losing Tim Tebow & his coaching staff had a bigger effect on this decision.

-REEcently Roe!

Gatorbait

December 26th, 2009
8:01 pm

Stoops, Patterson, Mullen, Willingham(Utah Coach), Shanahan and Gruden. Most likely one of these six.

its sexual

December 26th, 2009
8:01 pm

So typical and classless…hey hey thats the way we roll. GO DOGS

Michael G.

December 26th, 2009
8:01 pm

health problems….I wonder if it’s karposi sarcoma! Watching ESPN’s coverage was like watching a funeral taking place. Surprised Lou could hold back his tears!

Gatorbait

December 26th, 2009
8:02 pm

Losing the coaching staff? no you don’t give up 4 million a year and he was a decent head coach

IndyGT

December 26th, 2009
8:02 pm

Sad to see.. Really enjoyed watching Florida play and thought he was a great coach. Hope he is ok and family is ok too. I really don’t see how UF will emulate his success though.. I don’t see them getting Stoops, maybe Mullen? What about the evil genius spurrier. I never liked that SC visor on him. The biggest problem is going to be replacing strong though.

defactodawg

December 26th, 2009
8:03 pm

I firmly believe the next UF coach willbe either Mullen or Patterson. CUM will have much to say about his successor, imo.

Dawg Tired

December 26th, 2009
8:04 pm

What a shocker. I almost called a time-out. My prayer is that Coach Meyer will be healthy and be able to return sooner rather than later. Get better soon coach. Sometimes a time-out can be a good thing. Get back to full heath and get back to doing what you are one of the absolutely best at – coaching college football.

Charlie Strong Screwed Again!

December 26th, 2009
8:04 pm

It would seem that this was totally out of the blue since Strong just took the Louisville job.

James

December 26th, 2009
8:04 pm

Things to be excited about UGA 2009 football:
1. more players arrested
2. defensive coordinator gone
3. trip to the Advocare V100 Who Cares Independence bowl
4. Urban Meyer resigns

Can’t wait for 2010

Mark Richt

December 26th, 2009
8:05 pm

Stafford just called and asked me to consider running his personal entourage. I turned him down.

Jason Boatright

December 26th, 2009
8:05 pm

It is a sad day in the Gator Nation, but no matter what the reason we can all say that we were blessed to have Coach Meyer as our Ball Coach for the short time we did. I know I won’tbe the only one to say that our prayers go out to Coach Meyer! Hopefully there wasn’t a list of medical reasons or undue pressure from the Athletic Department. (with their record of chasing off coaches) again I say God Bless and God’s Speed, take care and Merry Christmas Coach Meyer!

deep ball

December 26th, 2009
8:05 pm

UGA will win the East each of the next 2 seasons–mark it! Also, prepare to see some great recruits jump ship from Gaytors to Athens.

Ricky

December 26th, 2009
8:05 pm

Who cares BOOMER SOONER

Scout Dawg

December 26th, 2009
8:05 pm

Hell, Mark Richt had a worse year, ranked no1 and then 23 season ending injuries. Talk about can’t handle the heat. Welcome back to the Mountain West.

Delbert D.

December 26th, 2009
8:07 pm

I wish Coach Meyer the best. Just dealing with the meds for brain-related injuries is difficult.

As to his successor, isn’t it about time for Saban to change jobs again?

jesse james

December 26th, 2009
8:07 pm

Mississippi State better come up with alot of money or they will be hiring another Head Coach.

jackson

December 26th, 2009
8:08 pm

Sad day for SEC. Not a Gator fan but I hate this for them. Get well coach.

collegeballfan

December 26th, 2009
8:09 pm

One must always do what is best for himself and his family. One of the wire service reports stated that he has a brain cyst that causes pain frequently.

He will be really missed as a football coach.

Red Dog 77

December 26th, 2009
8:10 pm

I dont like the man , but I do hope his health is fine , My speculation: Pure and simple burn out , and the fact that in one or two years he can come back and coach just about anywhere he wants to……..I do hear that his resignation does not sit well with Brantley, considering transfering to Notre Dame or Texas

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.

[...] 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.”

[...] 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. ……… 2009 season took its toll on Meyer | Mr. College Football [...]

Tim

December 26th, 2009
9:19 pm

As a UGA fan, I always loved rooting against Coach Meyer and the Gators….I would get mad when they would succeed. In fact, I think he always knew they would be successful. As a DAWG fan, I will not miss this a bit, but as a sports fan, I will miss this dearly….Get well soon Coach Meyer. You are best coach I’ve seen in a while.

KR

December 26th, 2009
9:19 pm

It just goes to show that the job of head coach is far more involved than simply knowing the X’s and O’s of the sport. I wish Urban Meyer the best of health and that his issues are addressed quickly.

I can’t say I am too surprised, as watching him during the SEC Championship Game I got the sense that he wouldn’t be at Florida in 2010. But I really thought he was going to Notre Dame.

Stubby

December 26th, 2009
9:21 pm

May the SEC rest in peace

Athens Dawg

December 26th, 2009
9:33 pm

Good luck, Coach. You’re one of the better ones we’ve seen in the SEC. I was looking forward to your post Tebow results. Now I look forward to positive results from your medical future. I am a huge Dawg and season tickets holder for 30 years…believe me, health trumps sports.
My bet is Stoops, Mullen, or the guy at Utah, Willingham I believe is his name.

Not Disappointed

December 26th, 2009
9:47 pm

Get better soon Urban. You are a Helluva Coach.

Ramblin Wreck for Life!

Why did Meyer quit?

December 26th, 2009
9:52 pm

NY Times says Florida’s spokeperson says it’s not any kind of life threatening illness. He just wants to hang out with his family more, and work less hours. Meyer was an SEC Head Coach sprinter, Richt is an SEC Head Coach marathoner. Two different types of coaches.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/sports/ncaafootball/27florida.html

flagboy?

December 26th, 2009
9:52 pm

Just underlines how high pressure the job is.

get well.

Dawg'em out!

December 26th, 2009
10:00 pm

K.wittingham or Dan Mullen, will get the job IMO.

A Big Fan

December 26th, 2009
10:01 pm

…Forget about Spurrier. Give Nick Saban whatever it takes to get him on board. Yeah, Baby!

Bucks County Nole

December 26th, 2009
10:01 pm

Urban was a class act. Sorry to see his career end this way. This from a Seminoles Fan.

D

December 26th, 2009
10:09 pm

Go to he**.. College Ball Fan! The VAST majority of Dawgs on here have done nothing but say that they wish Meyer the best. Despite the fact that he acts like a total a** half the time and refuses to shake hands with any coach he loses to, most GA fans on this blog have said nothing derrogatory and only said they hope for the best for the man. The sad fact is that if Richt was stepping down, the classless Gator fans would be talking trash like they do 365 days a year, so let’s not act like anyone should be offended here, ESPECIALLY Florida fans!!!

Nachos

December 26th, 2009
10:09 pm

Sad to hear Urban is leaving the SEC, he will be missed. Hoping for the best for him and his family.

Mr. Negative77

December 26th, 2009
10:15 pm

I knew he would go this year. Knowing that no Teabowl, OC quited, all SEC foes licking their chops. EVERY team will play FU just like play Nord Tre Damn. Don’t blame him leaving before the real Urban exposed. And don’t give me the BS bad health stuff, shoot! only 45, no cow-liked athelete to ‘use’ that’s more like it.

KNelson

December 26th, 2009
10:17 pm

Typical Georgia ! You fans are the biggest Homers on earth. Lets see if Tebow is gone and Meyer gone we can kick some tail ! Wanna know the difference between you and even Tennessee fans? Class. Read the govols blog ! Nearly all of them are saying It sure would be nice to beat UF with Meyer. Not looking for the easy way in like dog fans. You people are classless. With or without Meyer you lose. You were not winning before he got there it wont change after.

Timmy

December 26th, 2009
10:17 pm

Urban, sorry about not telling you about the herpies.

Dawg'em out!

December 26th, 2009
10:18 pm

He got burnt out fast,lol.

Bobby Petrino

December 26th, 2009
10:21 pm

hey i can catch a ride for an interview tonight jeremy

Sick of It

December 26th, 2009
10:23 pm

Hey Fan, get yer head outta that stinky dark tunnel.

Fan

December 26th, 2009
10:23 pm

A blog full of classless morons. Timmy, your prefernece for men is distatesteful, but it is your business. Just discuss it elsewhere not here. And Mr. Negative, you talk like you just had a stroke or something. Better see a neurologist.

Fan

December 26th, 2009
10:24 pm

Of course, I can’t type distasteful or preference either……

UGAFan

December 26th, 2009
10:24 pm

Wow! Good luck to Urban. Hope you get the time and rest you need to improve your health.

Jayson

December 26th, 2009
10:25 pm

Tony,

Thank you for the report. I feel I have the pulse of what went on with the Coach, thanks to you. I am not in the South at the moment and definitely miss the “local SEC buzz”. I was so glad to see your take on this issue. Although I am a Dawg fan, I just want to thank the Coach for being a class act, for what he thought was the right thing to do i.e. be there for his family. His contributions have made our conference the best in our nation and I want to thank him for that. Wish him and his family all the nest in the world.

Fan

December 26th, 2009
10:27 pm

Wow “Sick of It.” That really was thought provoking. Why are you so upset? Let’s talk football, not hurl insults.

Sick of It

December 26th, 2009
10:28 pm

Awww, I’m sooo sowwy everybody’s bein’ so MEAN. LOL You act like Mother Teresa just passed. A college football coach retired due to health problems. Big deal. I don’t wish the man ill will, and I wish he would stay so we could beat his tail a few years in a row, but that isn’t the case. And if you’re wanting people to be nice to Florida fans, you’re going to have a long wait.

gainesville tiger

December 26th, 2009
10:28 pm

im as big a college fb fan as anyone. im absolutely a gator hater. however, anyone that spouts off classless comments about a man’s health needs a shot of karma. this is a man’s life we are talking about. i dont know urban meyer, but i wish him the best. there are bigger things than football. whats next for you classless bloggers? you gonna cut some jokes about cancer or gene stalling’s son? grow up!

Sick of It

December 26th, 2009
10:28 pm

Says the man that called everyone classless and morons, LOL

KJ

December 26th, 2009
10:32 pm

“Read the govols blog”

Nobody here gives a $hit what happens on the govols blog. Maybe you should go there, and never come back. We’ll all be better off for it.

Felix the Cat

December 26th, 2009
10:32 pm

Gator.Gator.. What is it……Big ole lizard full of !@#$………..with a heart ailment

Sick of It

December 26th, 2009
10:32 pm

AND made fun of stroke patients. Nice one, Fan. Real classy.

Buckhead Bulldog

December 26th, 2009
10:33 pm

Good luck to Urban and his family! Such a fierce competitor doesn’t just resign from one of the top 5 programs in the country for the hell of it. I hope the best for Coach Meyer.

I know other fans will get PO for me saying this, but when he called those time outs against UGA last year, I thought it was a just move for Richt’s shenanigans the year before…pay back! Even being a UGA Alum, and die hard fan for 35 years I laughed when UM pulled that one. Touché Coach Meyer….touché!

Good luck Gator fans! With all of that talent rich state, you all will be fine with whomever AD Foley hires. I’m pretty sure the Gators are in pretty darn good hands with Foley.

Sic’em Dogs

Luke

December 26th, 2009
10:37 pm

From a Georgia alum/fan, I wish Urban Meyer the best. Never want to see that anywhere in sports or life for that matter.

Mr. Negative77

December 26th, 2009
10:42 pm

How bout Sook and my Willy for you!

Johnny DangerDawg

December 26th, 2009
10:47 pm

The Grinch,
I agree with your sentiments. Also, props to you for providing important info that Tony Barnhart did not have. It’s kinda sad that Tony gets paid the big bucks and can’t even offer as much info as a blogger who doesn’t work for CBS or the AJC.

Gen Neyland

December 26th, 2009
11:35 pm

Wake up calls happen to us all. Do we heed the tap on the window or get up and keep plowing..? I don’t know all the details other than what’s reported and I’ll say half of that I don’t believe, but what I will say is I wish him well.

GET REAL

December 26th, 2009
11:46 pm

FAN:

Have you ever read these BLOGS? Gators are the biggest SMACK TALKERS around. “Sick of it” is only adding to the age old addage “what goes around, comes around. Anyone who uses word word infantile on a football BLOG probably know this word real well, since they hear it from their mama every time the leave the basement—- the fry cook. the hamger flipper, my schools academics a better than yours, you have a mullet, “your always drinking beer” (still have not figured that one out) and the list goes on an on-FAN you are weak!

GET REAL

December 26th, 2009
11:48 pm

Oh ya, stop laughing and use spell check!

Top Dawg

December 26th, 2009
11:52 pm

I wish him the best.

jumbeauxtiger

December 26th, 2009
11:52 pm

For what he did at Florida I think Meyer is arguably the best college caoch since Bear Bryant. I hate to see him leave this way and wish him the best.

Geaux Tigers
Go SEC

dude, i'm just sayin'

December 26th, 2009
11:53 pm

i wish coach meyer no harm. i’m just glad to see him gone.

just respect.

nothin’ else.

i hope he lives to be 100.

however, GOOD RIDDANCE.

BULLDAWG BILL

December 26th, 2009
11:53 pm

I DON’T LIKE THE SOB EVEN IF HE IS SICK. I THINK HE IS A MENTAL CASE AND CAN’T STAND TO THINK OF GETTING HIS ASS KICKED BY THE REST OF THE SEC WHEN HIS CURRENT DEFENSE, DEFENSE COACH, AND OFFENSE STAR LEAVE. HIS CALLING TIME OUTS TO RUN UP THE SCORE AGAINST UGA AND EVERYIONE ELSE SHOWS HE IS A LOW CLASS YANKEE. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!

BuLLdawg

December 26th, 2009
11:59 pm

Brian Kelly.

Dan Mullen.

Charlie Strong.

Steve Spurrier.

Nick Saban.

Bob Stoops.

Tim Tebow.

Mark Richt.

Bobby Petrino.

Will Muschamp.

it's over.

December 27th, 2009
12:07 am

na na na na
na na na na
hey hey hey
goodbye…

c ya. wouldn’t want to be ya.

jumbeauxtiger

December 27th, 2009
12:09 am

I don’t see Stoops taking this job. Huge shoes to fill and he has a good thing going at OU.

Whoever is the next head coach will be under enormous pressure.

jumbeauxtiger

December 27th, 2009
12:16 am

My belated Christmas wish would be for Foley to hire Miles and let us go get Gruden.

We couldn’t be that lucky :(

atlcubsfan

December 27th, 2009
12:21 am

Stoops ain’t going to UFla. Oklahoma is one of the finest and proudest programs in the history of college football. Florida didn’t even win an SEC championship until 1991 (forget the vacated “win” in 1984), even though they were a charter member in 1933. OU had won six NATIONAL titles by 1991. Even Miss State and UK had won SEC football titles by 1950. Sure, Stoops coached in Gainesville under Spurrier, but Oklahoma is a better gig. It’s a smaller state population-wise, and OU football means more there (there are only three D-1 programs in-state- not like seven in Fla). Yes, they have to recruit Texas players at OU, and UF is safe to just recruit it’s own state, though it recruits nationally. Stoops ain’t leaving OU, though. That’s kooky talk, as Kramer once said. The other guys (Patterson, Peterson, Mullen, etc.) are open game and are probably in the mix. No other big name coach from a big school is coming to UF, though. They sucked in football until 1991, and although they’ve had a run since then, the workload/pressure has driven two coaches (Spurrier and Meyer) away from there since that time, and one of them won a Heisman while playing there (while losing to UGA two of his three seasons) and still left.

this might just be the beginning of the end for UFag. I don’t wish any ill will on anyone, even Coach Cryer, and I hope he gets better and overcomes his health issues. But I do hope that Florida begins to suck like they did when Doug Dickey, Charley Pell and Galen Hall were there. Those were great times to be Dawg Fans in Jax. Go DAWGS!!!

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
12:24 am

All that history means nothing.

Florida is a huge school with nearly 50,000 students and has everything.

Including 2 National Championships, recently.

Florida is a dominant program.

Pago Flyer

December 27th, 2009
12:25 am

Is this the guy who called “time out” with just a few seconds left during his annual beat down of the DAWGS?!Karma?

Red Dog 77

December 27th, 2009
12:31 am

Fan 8;16pm 12/26,and Hayseed Dixie 8;16pm 12/26: First Fan, This is indeed a Bulldog Blog, Second, and this goes for you too Hayseed Dixie, If you sinsitive little girls would take the time to read these posts, all of them , you would recognize, that yes there are afew morons taking pleasure at hearing the resignation of Coach Meyers, but for the most part , I see alot of what I would call gentlemen football fans , from all schools ,that wish coach Meyer the very best and pray that his health improves. I bleed RED and BLACK , and I wish nothing but the best for the man ! He has been a fierce competeter, well organized, and has been nothing but good for the game of college football……… Now dry up you little girls, and stop being so dadburn sinsitive.

atlcubsfan

December 27th, 2009
12:42 am

BuLLdawg:

You are correct: Florida has been dominant in the last few years. But in the south-central US, Oklahoma Football is everything. If you’ve been to a game there (which I have) or have traveled to Tulsa for work during the year, you’d know. Yes, UF football is at an apex and has rabid fans inside Florida and around the US, but Florida has 18 million residents, many large cities, professional teams in every sport, and seven D-1 football programs. Oklahoma has 3.6 million people, one major sports team (OK City Thunder- NBA), and three D-1 programs (OU, OSU, Tulsa). OU Football dominates EVERYTHING out there, much like Nebraska Football dominates their state. It’s different out there. Football is all they have sports-wise to hold onto, and OU football is the history, the past, the present, and the future. Sure, Florida is a draw for many coaches on the rise, especially because of their recent success, but the pressure is high and the distractions and competition are high, too. If Miami and FSU ever start to get together like they used to have it running (Miami could only recruit Dade County and be successful with the right coach), UF could be the third best team in their state in short order. Tebows don’t come around but every 50 years. ‘Just ask us Dawg fans about Herschels.

Stoops has it good, and they will pay him well to stay, even with the season they just had. Why leave Eden for the Gainesville Pressure Cooker? Leaving the Blue Turf and 10 degree weather of Boise seems much more likely for a guy like Petersen.

Va Dawg

December 27th, 2009
12:43 am

Kyle Willingham. Took over from Urban at Utah and beat Saban last year. Foley won’t steal back Mullen or Strong, especially Mullen from another SEC program. Too classy. If Willingham doesn’t work out I say Bob Stoops would be next since he has won a NC at Oklahoma. Shanahan a looooooong shot based on the number of years since he has coached in college

Red Dog 77

December 27th, 2009
12:46 am

When I read sinsitive posts like the ones FAN and HAYSEEDDIXIE wrote I am amazed. I bleed RED and BLACK and my thoughts and prayers are for Coach Meyers to regain his health and to find what ever peace he is looking for . Though I dont personally like the man I have to admit he has been good for college football, he is a fierce competitor, well organized, and knows the game as well as anyone. I have read like comments from fans from every school represented on this blog . So dry up little girls, no one is out to get you except for on the football field ,that is !!

dandydawg

December 27th, 2009
12:49 am

Wow! I hate to see Coach Myer leave Florida in this manner. But, he has accomplished a lot as a coach. I do hope that his health improves and that one day he will be able to roam the sideline again.. maybe this time at Florida State (LOL!)…

I know we Dawg fans go back and forth with you Gators, but this is one time I believe most Dawgs fans stand with the Gators to wish Coach Meyer good health. May God see you through this trial and bring you through with abundant blessings!

Red Dog 77

December 27th, 2009
1:05 am

Buckhead Bulldog, YER DERN TOOTIN my friend, now you are what I call a gentleman college football fan, wish we had more like you around here , would make for much more interesting reading………..GO YOU GEORGIA BULLDOGS !!!!!!!!!

SLP

December 27th, 2009
1:30 am

Best wishes, coach Meyer. I must admit I am not a Florida fan but I do wish you well.

boots

December 27th, 2009
3:23 am

I wish him good health and a good life. I hate Florida like any other UGA grad (or fan), but he seemed to always be classy and was devoted to his players. Can’t fault him for all the junk individual players may have done any more than CMR is responsible for our players’ behavior. Anyway, he has to put his family first, and I hope things are ok. With that said, I think Kiffin is an idiot, and I hope whoever UF hires is a jerk, too. Makes it more fun….

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
3:54 am

Oklahoma is no where near the school The University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida is.

It isn’t close.

The history you write about Oklahoma, I lived. Why didn’t you mention Nebraska ? That was a long, long, long time ago.

So, too is the history of Florida with the Doug Dickey’s, etc. I lived those too, first hand. That’s not where we are today.

Bulldog fans wishing and hoping for those days again, are why we put our men in such a huge hole that the dominant football program in college football for all these reasons today can have whomever they want for a coach, and why they play 7 home games plus another while we play 6 home games. Get over yourself.

If you don’t recognize who Florida is, and instead talk of the past that I know better than you by a long shot, then that is your loss sir.

PJ

December 27th, 2009
5:37 am

((((((((30-24))))))))

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
6:53 am

2 DECADES OF DOMINANCE :

UGA 615 acres, 34,180 students, Land Grant, Sea Grant.

UGA # 58 Top National University U.S. News & World Report, 55 % accepted.

UF 2000 acres, 51,474 students, Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant.

UF # 47 Top National University U.S. News & World Report, 39 % accepted.

Clearly, both UGA and UF are 2 of the Top National Universities in the latest U.S. News and World Report Rankings for 2010, both “Top Tier” National Universities.

UF dominates UGA in every manner possible. UF is far more selective at only 39 percent acceptance rate for enrollment at UF than UGA at 55 %.

UF is the higher ranked National University, Number 47 to Number 58 in the latest Rankings of National Universities.

UF has won 17 of the last 20 in football, and frankly only in women’s basketball and in baseball does UGA prevail.

UF is three and a quarter times the size of UGA’s campus, with huge potential for future growth.

$1.2 Billion Endowment UF.

$618 Million Endowment UGA.

150 percent larger than UGA, is UF in students.

In excess of one and half times the size of our student bodies.

For all the history of UGA Football while Florida was an also-ran in The SEC, the facts are that Florida really is only 1 short of UGA in SEC Titles. UF does have 3 SEC titles they vacate for cheating and has never ever had any season of undefeated and untied (UF did have a 5-0-1 record one year back in 1911 when it did not play UGA but was tied by South Carolina.)

Officially UGA has 11 SEC Titles and UF only 8. Clearly, UF has the capacity to more than make up for that too.

2 Decades.

If you look at the run over the last 2 Decades, no team in football has been as dominant as have the Florida crocodiles.

201-52-1 Florida last 2 decades

193-57-1 Florida State last 2 decades

192-54-3 Ohio State last 2 decades

191-60-1 Nebraska last 2 decades

184-59-0 Miami of Florida last 2 decades

185-65-2 Tennessee last 2 decades

169-74-1 leaves UGA not in the Top 10 last 2 decades.

UF # 3 recruits now

UGA # 8 recruits now

UGA was # 6 last year, # 7 in 2008, # 9 in 2007, # 4 in 2006, # 10 in 2005.

UF was # 11 last year, # 3 in 2008, # 1 in 2007, # 2 in 2006, # 15 in 2005.

6 classes for Urban Meyer average Rivals Ranking # 5.

Last 6 classes of Coach Richt average Rivals Ranking # 7.

Florida has beat UGA at Recruiting and on the field on in the classroom.

FACT.

NFL :

45 Bulldogs in the NFL.

37 Florida players in the NFL.

Our players can’t beat Florida.

RIVALRIES :

LOSING RECORD UF has against ALL its Rivals.

39-46-2 UGA

14-21 Alabama

38-42-2 Auburn (played every year until 1998)

26-28-0 Miami of Florida (no longer plays every year either)

10-12-1 Ole Miss

Went ahead of Tennessee vols 20-19-0 this season with 5th win in a row.

LSU 30-23-3 is an aberration, picked to replace Auburn every year now.

33-19-2 over Florida State is because neither school did a damn thing except the last 25 years.

NONE of THAT means A THING.

FACTS :

The last 2 decades of college football, 1 college football program is clearly the best.

Florida.

So, what if Florida has LOSING RECORD IN BOWL GAMES at 17-19.

In the last 2 decades, The University of Florida has been to 11 Major Bowl Games.

There are 4 Major Bowls.

11 of the 20 are Florida.

7 of the 11 Major Bowls Florida WON the last 2 decades.

90,544 Attendance always for 7 home games Florida # 9 in Attendance.

92,746 Attendance always for 6 home games Georgia # 6 in Attendance.

Our 6 home games are because of JAX.

And, our Season’s Tickets are WATERED DOWN OPPONENTS as a direct result thereof.

Look at your (and mine) Season’s Tickets and try to tell me those are GOOD GAMES.

NACDA Directors’ Cup Florida has beat us every year but 1.

SEC All-Sports Trophy belongs to Florida almost every year.

976 UGA APR in football Academic Progress Rate.

963 UF APR in football Academic Progress Rate

56-10 Urban Meyer a DB from Cincinnati at UF, which Spurrier made into college football Heaven.

122-27-1 Steve Spurrier Heisman QB at UF for a football program that was HORRID.

There is no question that despite 2 NC by Urban Meyer, Steve Spurrier BUILT Florida into what it was that Urban Meyer wanted to be there.

Just as there is no question that Florida is the DOMINANT FOOTBALL PROGRAM for 2 DECADES because of Steve Spurrier at Florida, 1 of their own and 1 of only 5 Florida players in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Steve Spurrier has had the biggest impact of anyone at UF in football, period; and as a direct result, the college football landscape isn’t the same.

2 DECADES OF DOMINANCE.

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
7:01 am

Too Funny

December 27th, 2009
7:25 am

It’s so funny that now that Meyer has stepped down, UGA fans think they actually have a chance to win the SEC??? UGA will still be 4th in the east behind UF, UT and KY. What a joke program!

11-2 GEORGIA TECH in ORANGE BOWL

December 27th, 2009
7:32 am

Thanks for a great season,
…………………………………ACC CHAMPS !

Topp Dogg

December 27th, 2009
8:01 am

It must be Mono the way he always had his lips pressed to Timmys ass and other body parts.

Spike

December 27th, 2009
8:34 am

Chan Gailey (UF 73) for head ball corch.

[...] minutes of the shocking announcement that University Of Florida head coach Urban Meyer was stepping down — days before his 12-1 Gators play Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl — the [...]

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
8:41 am

What are the GA tek fans talking about ?

169-74-1 leaves UGA not in the Top 10 last 2 decades at # 11.

146-96-2 leaves GA tek # 39 last 2 decades # 39.

UGA has won 2 of the last 6 against Florida.

GA tek has won 1 of the last 9 against UGA.

UGA is # 8 in Rivals Recruiting Rankings.

GA tek is # 39 in Rivals Recruiting Rankings.

UGA 45 in the NFL.

GA tek 25 in the NFL.

AP POLL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS :
1 UGA
3 FLORIDA
0 GA tek

NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION POST GRADUATE SCHOLARS :
UGA 11
FLORIDA 5
Georgia tek 3

NCAA POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARS – FOOTBALL :
UGA 13
FLORIDA 9
Georgia tek 6

NCAA POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARS – ALL SPORTS :
UGA 52
FLORIDA 36
Georgia tek not in Top 10, fewer than 14.

In the last 2 decades, The University of Florida has been to 11 Major Bowl Games.

There are 4 Major Bowls.

11 of the 20 are Florida. UGA been to 8 Major Bowl Games since GA tek last went to one.

7 of the 11 Major Bowls Florida WON the last 2 decades.

90,544 Attendance always for 7 home games Florida # 9 in Attendance.

92,746 Attendance always for 6 home games Georgia # 6 in Attendance.

47,489 Attendance GA tek # 48 in Attendance. Pitiful.

NACDA Directors’ Cup Florida has beat us every year but 1.

Directors’ Cup UGA beats GA tek EVERY YEAR and always has with UGA in the Top 10 and GA tek not in the Top 50 All Sports Directors’ Cup.

SEC All-Sports Trophy belongs to Florida almost every year.

976 UGA APR in football Academic Progress Rate.

963 UF APR in football Academic Progress Rate.

957 GA tek APR in football Academic Progress Rate.

Nick Satan

December 27th, 2009
8:48 am

Sympathy for the devil, that is all it is for Myer. He is the one who made it a matter of life and death. Let him reap what he has sown.

Ramblin Wrecker

December 27th, 2009
8:48 am

First off, I think this is sad. A guy who is at the top of his profession at 45 who leaves for health concerns is sad and I pray for Urban Meyer and his family.

As far as his replacement, the first call is to Bob Stoops. But the second call should be to Kyle Whittingham of Utah. Because what is the #1 requirement for being HC at Florida? You must be able to beat Nick Saban and Alabama. Whittingham has that on his resume, and with lessor players to boot. I’ve seen all the Dan Mullen speculation, but remember Whittingham was under Urban Meyer for years until he took the Florida job and Whittingham has certainly shown his chops as a head coach at Utah, coming up with a second undefeated season after Urban’s. Mullen hasn’t shown that yet. And since they say Urban will take a non-coaching job in the Florida administration, I don’t think the coaching search will get beyond those three coaches (Stoops has Florida ties to Spurrier days and has an excellent resume of his own, and the other two with ties to Urban). I heard mention of Charlie Strong, but I have a hard time seeing him getting out of the deal with Louisville that he just signed. But to me he’s like Mullen, unproven as a HC.

Fleischman in Chi Towns Bed

December 27th, 2009
8:59 am

Whoever they hire will continue the tradition of BEATING UGAy’s a$$ every year.

UGAg sucks and always

TommyJack

December 27th, 2009
9:05 am

Bring back the Zookster. Bwahahahaha. If Meyer really ill, then sorry. But otherwise, anything bad for gators is ok by me. GBO

Short of breath

December 27th, 2009
9:07 am

Knowing that UGA is so STOCKED on offense for 2010 AND that Tebow is gone bye bye would make any Florida coach short of breath.

Bye BYE CUM

Go Dawgs and watch ther Gator team in years to come ……….their nice long WINNING BIG days have CUM and Gone.

Chopdawg

December 27th, 2009
9:08 am

What leads me to believe there’s something more underneath this story: the timing. Why wouldn’t Meyer wait till January to announce, like Spurrier did?

Proud Dawg

December 27th, 2009
9:10 am

As a UGA graduate and die hard Dawg Fan I have to give my best wishes to Coach Meyer and his family. Any Dawg fan that gets on this blog and celebrates his misfortune makes us all look bad. Coach Meyer was great for all of college football. As much as it pained me to see the success UF had these past five years, they earned it and Coach Meyer did what was necessary to help his program. Those of us Dawg fans whose lives are deeper than just football wish Coach Meyer and his family all the best.

Short of breath

December 27th, 2009
9:11 am

CUM also knows that Kirby Smart will be on the UGA sideline for years and years, leaving CUM gasping for air.

Goooooooooooooooooo Dogs. Sic em.

GR82BAG8R

December 27th, 2009
9:11 am

BuLLdog, all your stats tell me that Georgia and Florida are football schools and Tech is not.

GR82BAG8R

December 27th, 2009
9:14 am

Given Tech’s low APR, it tells me as well that they must not help their athletes academically. AJC reported last year that Tech’s football team had the highest SAT scores of any public university. Combine that with a low APR and you wonder what is happening…

ghost of UGA VII

December 27th, 2009
9:14 am

bow wow! This is only way my dogs can beat Florida! I knew all my leg humping dog fans would be a classless bunch. Hey you guys just killed me, but better here than in Shreveport.

bow wow.

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
9:18 am

What is Most Incongruous about GA tek fans posting again about Florida are their posts about Paul Johnson as a name on the list to replace Urban Meyer at Florida.

Paul Johnson played 6 games against teams not even in a bowl game, and YET LOST MORE GAMES than Florida did playing only 4 teams who aren’t in a bowl game.

I mean how good is Paul Johnson, anyway ?

He recruits very poorly.

His offense has zero tight ends and at most 1 receiver on the whole entire roster.

A QB who in 35 games has only 13 TD passes to 11 interceptions and is the Number 115 Passing Offense in the NCAA this season, yet this is what they went to when they scrapped their high school offense and threw 4 plays in a row to lose to a 7-5 team playing in Shreveport, NE LA at a high school stadium (larger than Tech’s Grant Field Bobby Dodd Stadium.)

There are only 3 football players in all of America who have committed to come play on this high school offense of Paul Johnson.

3.

He fired Jon Tenuta to hire the linebackers’ coach at So Miss to come be his Defensive Coordinator.

With 6 games against teams not even in a bowl game, Paul Johnson’s “defense” is Number 57 against the Run, 54 Total Defense and 58 Scoring Defense.

And, his recruits are IDIOTS, not suited for the purpose for which they are intended as “student” – athletes.

Florida lost 1 game against # 1 Alabama. GA tek with Paul Johnson lost to UGA for God’s sake who LOST TO 5 OTHER TEAMS including Kentucky AND lost to Miami of Florida who otherwise beat no one, like UGA.

Soft schedule GA tek played.

It is, after all, all Paul Johnson has EVER COMPETED AGAINST.

GA tek fans think Florida wants their head football coach.

Now, that’s funny.

Go read the posts.

Right up there before now.

And, they keep saying it.

What is the 1 name NOT on Jeremy Foley’s list ?

Paul Johnson.

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
9:23 am

That’s right.

UF and UGA are football schools, and GA tek is NOT.

VIP

December 27th, 2009
9:32 am

Thanks for the post Tony. I hope Urban Meyer gets better. Now no more excuses for Mark Richt.
Given that Urban Meyer is going to be “assisting” Jeremy Foley with the search and is still going to be associated with the university I think it’s highly unlikely that UF will bring in a coach with no ties to Meyer. Out of the coaches that do have ties, I look for one with head coaching experience, proven production, and wins bowl games. Bama fans know him well.

Gator Fans, your new coach will be: Kyle Whittingham of Utah.

AltamahaDawg

December 27th, 2009
9:33 am

Sorry Billy, but I’ve read 3 different blogs and several pages of comments and have yet to find many inappropriate comments by UGA fans. Well, adult UGA fans anyway. I’m sure when the tech fan wake up and put on thier fake “Ga Fan”caps that will star to build up. You need to look back a few weeks when UGA died and wade into the pages and pages of rival comments if you are really needing your fix for the day.

Alex

December 27th, 2009
9:33 am

Haha. You wish it would change the power structure Tony. Spurrier left and you thought the same thing, right? 17 out of 20 Tony. The gators will not slide one bit. We will still dominate ga.

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
9:42 am

There is 1 area common to Florida under Urban Meyer and GA tek fans nowadays, and that is that they are crybabies when they lose.

jesse james

December 27th, 2009
10:08 am

It is sad that he couldn’t balance faith, family and team. You see this many times where coaches can’t leave it at the office, field or gym. I am curious if there is any history of heart troubles in his family? I didn’t like him as the Head Coach of the Gators, but you have to admit he is a hell of a football coach and I respect him. He was a winner!

ratherBgambling

December 27th, 2009
10:23 am

Next HC at Florida will be…………

Will Muschamp

Book it!

VolNation

December 27th, 2009
10:32 am

I wish him well, hopefully his condition improves and he comes back to coaching.

Looking forward to seeing who they hire, this being Florida and the SEC they will surely garner the attention of top flight talent.

I’m also curious how this affects their recruiting, with the DC leaving and Urban leaving that’s two big blows that would surely weight the minds of the recruits.

Best of luck Coach Meyer.

Buldawg4Ever

December 27th, 2009
10:46 am

I am so glad the latest evil genious is gone from Florida. First it was Steve Spurrier that abused us and then Urban Mayer….I can’t wait to see the next evil ball coach. But this time we are going to get the best of them. I have it from a very reliable soarce that CMR is going to take the job and Urban Mayer will be the next coach at Ga after a one year break. Take that to the bank . Then at laeast we can cheer when Urban abuses CMR yearly….Go you harey dogs – beat those Texas A&M Aggy’s……woofwoofwoofwoof

chri

December 27th, 2009
10:48 am

saban just beat him outta the game. SABAN !!

WonderDawg

December 27th, 2009
10:50 am

Will Muschamp. “book it!”

So UF is gonna hire an assistant coach? Don’t think so. They can get most any head coach that they want, other than Stoops, who just turned down ND and signed an extension. I think Foley goes back to Utah for his hire. Worked pretty good the last time…..

UGA Rules

December 27th, 2009
10:53 am

Without meyer, Georgia will take over the series and start a long run of wins over UF—it will be Dawg time in jacksonville every year—bank on it!!! Nothing better—Dawgs on top!!!!

WonderDawg

December 27th, 2009
11:03 am

Great read on Myer by Yahoosports.com’s Dan Wetzel.

I’ll bet somewhere in his new Louisville home, Charlie Strong is shellshocked, and teary-eyed. What terrible timing…..

Dawg Crazy

December 27th, 2009
11:04 am

No way florida hires will muschamp—they want a proven winner as head coach. Plus, muschamp is a UGA grad—Foley would get fired hiring any former ga player / coach. Florida will hire Kyle Whittingham–bet the house. Coach of the year in 2008, former Meyer OC.

GTAlpharetta

December 27th, 2009
11:04 am

UGA Rules – get over your delusions man – Spurrier owned the Dogs just like Meyer did and I don’t think the next coach is going to have a problem with dominating the Bulldogs either. You guys like to brag about how Georgia owns Tech, and your winning record against GT the last 20 years or so is impressive, but Florida handles Georgia every year – with a dog win thrown in every 10 yrs or so as an accident. Get ready for a big name coach to come in and continue to spank the Bulldogs every year. My prediction is that the Boise State or TCU coach will come in and be the next Urban Meyer. After a year or two off, I see Coach Meyer returning to the sidelines at another big time school – maybe Ga Tech after some other school lures CPJ away. Urban’s daughter is a student there – so who knows.

WonderDawg

December 27th, 2009
11:05 am

Yeah right, UGA Rules. Kinda like the last three times UF hired new head coaches? Jeez….

WonderDawg

December 27th, 2009
11:15 am

Dang, GTAlpharetta, talk about delusions….. Myer coaching Tech?? Jack Nicklaus’ daughter played volleyball at UGA, but he didn’t coach golf here…

74Dawg

December 27th, 2009
11:15 am

Think what you like about UF, this is a sad day for college football. I would rather beat the Gators w/ Coach Meyer there than without him. It won’t be the same. Good luck,Coach and best wishes to you and your family.

Zeb

December 27th, 2009
11:40 am

Cuz, Alt, Gen Neyland……and the rest of my old dawg fans I left out. It’s been a heck of a season and this news has left me with mixed feelings.. While my dislike for Meyer and Tebow was completely selfish, I have nothing but the utmost respect for both of them as well as the entire Gator team. I know that may just pi$$ some dawg fans off, but get the fck over it. They have owned us for several years and the dawg team I know needs to get their sh!t together. I haven’t blogged hardly any this year because of a horrible season and just personal reasons. To all of you GT fans, that was a tough fought game between us and most of us know you could’ve won in the end. I for one, won’t be dogging you at all because you guys are having a great year. Good luck in your bowl game and I hope my dawgs will be back strong as ever next year.

ARdawg

December 27th, 2009
11:40 am

Barnhart
There is also the ultimate betrayal by a coach to his team and in this case his university. Meyer is apparently leaving because he “can’t hack it”. The “stress”? Give me a friggin break. He inherited a fine team and brought excellent assistants with him. 2010 would had have him starting again, this time with his own program. Meyer is running from challenge instead of embracing it. My condolences to The University of Florida and their excellent football program.

ckgator

December 27th, 2009
12:01 pm

Tony – take a look at Pat Dooley’s “Season of the Weird” piece. An odd and trying (and not too fun) season to be sure, but Meyer’s health problems have been a long-time coming. The events of any season takes it toll on any coach.

Will miss him, but this is clearly the right decision – family first.

Go Gators!

1eyedJack

December 27th, 2009
12:03 pm

A candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.

BILLY JACK

December 27th, 2009
12:17 pm

My thoughts and prayers go out to coach meyer and his family.I am a georgia guy and have alot of respect for coach meyer.I believe they will hire Dan Mullen and promote LB coach Chuck Heater to def coord.That would be the smartest thing to do.I was hoping coach meyer would get a few more beatdowns on little K iffin before Tennesee got the death penalty in 2011.

Marianela

December 27th, 2009
12:19 pm

I hear Willie Martinez is available. :-)

ToccoaDawg

December 27th, 2009
12:27 pm

I just hope the gators aren’t smart enough to go after Strong.

TCM

December 27th, 2009
12:29 pm

I too like the majority of the UGA fans on this blog wish CUMeyer the best with his health concerns and a speedy recovery from whatever it is that’s ailing him.

But I will say this, you can’t help but wonder slightly in the back of your mind what’s up with the timing of this. You’re losing your star pupil, your coaching staff has officailly been depleted, and now you’re in positiion where you truly have to start from scratch and rebuild. I’m not saying the man isn’t sick, but the timing of this decision is a real coincidence. Somehow it makes you say……..hmmmmmmmmmmmm?

observor

December 27th, 2009
12:31 pm

Funny thing about this is that you see a glimmer of hope now amongst dawg fans. One idiot even posted that now that Meyer is gone the dawgs are guaranteed to win the east for the next 2 years. Really? What would it matter anyway. The dawgs would just get annihilated by the bammers a la blackout night in the seccg. With Saban and the Bammers now destroying everyone in their path your pathetic conference has been reduced to one giant that being the bammers and 11 dwarves. Florida will only go back to being a dwarf for a year or 2 before they rise back up under whoever they hire and start competing again. But for now you guys are a one trick pony of a conference.

joe taxpayer

December 27th, 2009
12:36 pm

master of the obvious tony barnhart

hubba hubba

December 27th, 2009
12:37 pm

Shreveport at Christmas time- man we have died and gone to football heaven!!!

What happened

December 27th, 2009
12:38 pm

TCM,

The other what happened could be the obvious changing of the guard had a factor also in Meyer leaving. Nobody is saying it but I think meyer, just like the rest of the sec, is now a little shell shocked and probably a little intimidated by what the bammers did to him. I kinda wonder after the way he got dismantled by Bama that maybe some doubt along with the health issues contributed to him just hanging it up.

Since Saban came to the sec he has personally fired several coaches and played a role in the firing of several others. Clemson, Tennessee, Auburn, the decision to fire Tommy Bowden, Fulmer, and Tubberville was all made the week after Saban embarrassed these respective programs. Add Meyer to that list. He didn’t get fired but its safe to say he understands their is a looming crimson juggernaut to the west that he can’t compete with

SuperB

December 27th, 2009
12:38 pm

I bet he coaches again– somewhere.

ReptilesRule

December 27th, 2009
12:40 pm

You are SO SO right Tony. As a Florida man for over 40 years I would say that this was by far the strangest and most trying season I have ever seen. The pressure of being and staying #1 is mind bending in itself and I’ll be honest, with each new drama that unfolded seemingly every week I was wondering if it was even worth it. This year seemed more like a strain than a celebration of being the top program in college football. There was very little, if any, joy after the games…just a sense of relief that we survived another battle. And then the Carlos Dunlap situation on the VERY week of the biggest game of the year…it became just too much at that point. And I’m sure it seemed that way even more for Coach Meyer and then to have it all culminated by a devastating blowout loss to Bama in the SECCG left many Gator fans to wonder why?? Why all the sweat and tears during the season?? What an empty feeling!!! You can say spoiled or whatever you want but that feeling was impossible to escape. And I believe that is exactly what went on in Urbans mind…there was just nothing left at the end. Nothing left in the tank.

are you kidding me?

December 27th, 2009
12:46 pm

It’s wonderful to read all the sports psychology opinions on here. It certainly rounds out our sports education and our morality doses for the week. It is after all only a blog- and we all know that football blogs are for blitzing and flaming. Except that now certain self impressed police have determined that we must now be ultra-serious about this issue and very gentlemanly in our responses. How very quaint.

Texas Dawg

December 27th, 2009
12:48 pm

I hope the UM gets his health issues corrected soon and I wish him the best!

With that being said, I have never liked UM. The timeouts were classless, but as a UGA fan I want to beat the best and UM/UF have cosistantly shown they are the best.

Mr. Foley is looking for your new Daddy......

December 27th, 2009
12:48 pm

Maybe your old friend Steve Spurrier will answer the call? You guys remember him right, he sent a lot of unhappy fans back on the road to Athens after the Jacksonville game.

“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.”

So true Mike at 9:01 P.M. – Spurrier, Zook, and Meyer all beat these guys…….so will the next man. Richt could only go to fantasy land to believe he could win 2 BCS Titles in 3 years.

AltamahaDawg

December 27th, 2009
12:50 pm

Reading some of the comments questioning then timing, and it appears to me that once he made up his mind, he did Foley a big favor by announcing this now, not in month, or a week. Foley needs to react as quickly as possible but today he has time to at least do an actual search, and not a scramble. You dont want to be “considering” your HC hire in Feb. You can’t keep secrets, and lying to recruits, and in fact the entire gator faithfull for another month, isn’t helping anyone.

As far as having to rebuild next year as his only reason, or running from something. Could it be that he hung in this year for the sake of these soon to departed player, and staff? Rebuilding next year would require a tremendous amount of energy and focus and if he didn’t have it, hats off to him for understanding that. What some seem as an excuse or negative, seems to me is just a legitamate factor.

Now as far as being a saint because he is putting family first. Didn’t he try his best to NOT do this? Or as long as possible at least. Don’t all coaches know the deal? Not saying he is not a great family man, but so are a lot of folks, and sacrifice a lot more everyday than stepping away from your multi-million dollar job for a little while. . Not sure trying not to die, is really that admirable or tough of a choice. It’s the essence of a selfish decision. A good one though.

Will

December 27th, 2009
12:53 pm

Marianela

December 27th, 2009
12:19 pm
I hear Willie Martinez is available

Willie was a scape goat honey, bring Willie down to the Florida staff it will add another good recruiter to bring in top 5 classes every year of superior players. UGA always has to blame losses on somebody besides the players……..the refs, location of a game, uniforms etc………..

Atlanta Gator

December 27th, 2009
12:56 pm

Wow. Talk about the unexpected event that you didn’t see coming. After all of the speculation about Urban Meyer leaving for Notre Dame or the NFL, the Gators’ coach resigns because of personal health issues . . . .

This Gator alumnus and fan wishes Coach Meyer well and hopes for his continued health and success. His tenure as the Gators’ head football coach was a relatively short 5 seasons, but his success was unprecedented. None of us would trade the last five seasons with Urban Meyer for any other coach. Meyer was a worthy successor to Ray Graves and Steve Spurrier, and he is already the newest living legend in the Gator sports pantheon.

Godpseed, Urban. You will be missed.

DAWG07

December 27th, 2009
1:01 pm

SPURRIER the next Flordia Caoch?
He should have been offered the job on his unsuccessful return from NFL.

jw

December 27th, 2009
1:07 pm

I am a dawg fan, and I did long for a day that Urban was not on the sidelines of UF, but NOT THIS WAY!! You wanted him to leave and go to ND or some other destination, he is a great coach and we were the victims too many times. I hoped UGA would hire a Great DC, get our swagger back, and start beating UF with CUM, now we will never know what we could have done against him with a real UGA Defense.. My compassion to the Gator Nation, I know they are hurting now. He established a great legacy at UF in a very short period of time. I am sure Foley will make a great hire.

are you kidding me?

December 27th, 2009
1:11 pm

Let the canonization proceedings begin.

BILLY JACK

December 27th, 2009
1:25 pm

Hey observer-you sound like a techie to me.Lets wait til after the bowl season and the sec dominates again.I think the ACC is 0-2 as I write this.The SEC is the most dominate conf in the land and this will never change.If you were any kind of a college football fan, you would know Alabama and Fla had a few close calls this year and last.

macrotech

December 27th, 2009
1:34 pm

This man has earned the right to be respected and appreciated for what he’s done at UF…. It’s refreshing to see a coach at his level choose health over a game. I wish him and his the best!

Who cares?

December 27th, 2009
1:35 pm

I suspect Saban made Urban’s decision a whole lot easier.

jb

December 27th, 2009
1:39 pm

you write good articles….do you have to say a cuss word in every article though? I seem to remember a damn last time and helluva in this article…..just a thought

DawginLex

December 27th, 2009
1:57 pm

Have to respect the guy for quitting because of his health and placing his faith and family first.

Won’t be surprised to see Whittingham from Utah because of his ties to Meyer and the AD. Mullen would be my next guess.

I wonder if Charlie Strong would have gotten a shot if he hadn’t already left for Louisville?

AltamahaDawg

December 27th, 2009
2:15 pm

What exactly does “placing his faith first” mean? I read that quite often over the years and never really knew what they were trying to say, or not say. The guy didn’t retire for religious reasons, or even family reasons, he did so because of a physical defect, or more to the point probably, just simply the limits of the human body and mind. I agree with him for putting health over being stupid. I suppose that’s not really a given with adult men all the time.

Just for the record, I have decided to put my faith and family first and not continue to pursue being half my age. Just in case somebody wanted to send me some gift cards.

Buzz29

December 27th, 2009
2:15 pm

The saga continues… He’s just gonna take a leave of absence next year. The OC is gonna coach next year.

SallyP

December 27th, 2009
2:25 pm

Whoever Florida hires, UGAy will still be Florida’s beatdown b*tch!

In only four more days, we’ll have a complete count on how many UGAy players were arrested this year. Maybe on January 1 each year, the AJC should start a contest where people predict the number of arrests each year. :-)

Or how many of these dumb goons actually graduate with their “Recreation and Leisure Time Activities” diplomas.

Whatever. The game on Monday is at 5:00 PM when nobody is at home. It’s on ESPN2 – not ESPN but ESPN2. It’s in Shreveport.

That’s like off-off-off Broadway.

In other words, who cares.

Texas A&M 42, UGAy 24. Another humiliating beatdown for the Athens goons and morons.

KingGator

December 27th, 2009
2:26 pm

You think the announcement last night was stunning? Wait until you hear the next announcement!!

Hint- Billy Donovan

SECfanatic

December 27th, 2009
2:42 pm

I wish CUM well, but at the same time I’m convinced that part of this decision is directly related to the loss of many top coordinators and Timmy (especially Charlie Strong). I think the challenge of having to more or less a brand new staff along with replacing Tebow and much of the defense weighed heavily on him as his health declined the past month. I respect the decision to step down but let’s not kid ourselves because if this season stressed him next season would’ve been terrible for him.

Anyway, The SEC East is wide open next year seeing as UGA, FLA, and UT are breaking in new qb’s, Stephen Garcia returns at S. Carolina but he’s not nearly an all-SEC qb at this point, Kentucky brings back their new qb and Randall Cobb, but lose Derrick Locke and many key defensive players. Should be fun next year.

GBO

BuLLdawg

December 27th, 2009
4:31 pm

Steve Addazio

???

Tight Ends Coach.

Now, he is what ?

Head Football Coach at the University of Florida ?

He has recruited 7 players, three 4-Star and four 3-Star recruits.

Everyone says he has done a poor job running the offense for Dan Mullen.

Steve Addazio played football at something called Central Connecticut State.

Steve Addazio has zero experience in the NFL as a player or as a coach.

He is a Tight Ends Coach, for God’s sake.

And, not a very good one either.

Obviously over his head trying to take over for Dan Mullen OC.

Fiasco.

So, without :

Dan Mullen

Charlie Strong

Tim Tebow

Can Urban Meyer NOT count the next few games ?

His wife told Urban Meyer to take a leave of absence ?

What the hell is this ?

The players are now happy ? They like it that Urban Meyer is turning Florida over to NONE OF THE NAMES LISTED ON THIS BLOG, but to Steve Addazio.

Fiasco.

$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl

December 28th, 2009
4:50 am

Shreveport by the numbers

2 Wal-Mart’s,
4 Waffle Houses
1 Motel 6
11,693 deer stands
48,545 seat Stadium (no kidding)
6,230 of 12,000 georgia ticket allotment sold
5:00PM start time
Peachtree TV # 2
#5 offense nationally facing #70 defense with 2 grad assts at the helm
7 recruits likely switching

Unlike Georgia, Texas A & M does not think the Herschal Walker and Lindale Scott led, 42-0 win in Athens on Sept. 13, 1980 will play a role in this game.