Will Meyer be Florida’s head coach for the 2010 season?
As expected, Urban Meyer announced Sunday afternoon that he has changed his mind and will not resign as Florida’s head coach after Friday’s Sugar Bowl game with Cincinnati.
Meyer will take an “indefinite leave of absence” from his duties as head coach and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio will serve as interim head coach. Meyer will not put a timetable on his return as head coach but he did indicate that believed he would be the head coach when the 2010 season rolls around.
Based on conversations I’ve had today with people close to the situation, Meyer told his family on Christmas night that he was going to resign as coach. The school put out a press release on Saturday that Meyer would be stepping down for the sake of his health. But things really changed in the next 24 hours.
The Gators practiced in Gainesville this morning before getting on the plane to go to New Orleans. Meyer met with athletics director Jeremy Foley after practice and discussed the possibility of him taking a leave of absence instead of resigning.
The fact is that Meyer’s wife, Shelley, Foley, and president Bernie Machen had put the idea of a leave of absence on the table a while back. Meyer told them he didn’t think he could do that and that just walking away was the best thing for everybody involved.
Meyer said he had a change of heart after Sunday morning’s practice. He decided to reconsider the leave of absence idea and to see if he could make it work.
Whether or not he can change his approach to coaching and come back remains to be seen. If he backs off his intense approach to the job, does he lose the edge that made him so successful? That is the challenge for Meyer in the weeks and months to come.
This is a good result for Meyer, but why would Florida do this? First of all, this buys Florida some time and holds this recruiting class together–at least for now. According to various reports, word has already been given to the players committed to Florida that Meyer will eventually come back as head coach. But it is a good six weeks between now and national signing day and you can bet that opposing coaches will hammer Florida about the uncertainty surrounding the program. There will be some defections.
There is another element of risk on Foley’s part. If Meyer does not come back for the 2010 season, this decision could set the Florida program back for a couple of years. But if Meyer comes back fit and rested, Foley has managed to retain one of the very best coaches in the game. If I’m Foley I believe it is a risk worth taking.
By the way. How would you like to be the University of Cincinnati football team? Wonder if they will get any coverage this week?
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445 comments Add your comment
Shreveport Rocks
December 27th, 2009
4:16 pm
Um, I think you just named Florida’s schedule Big Loser.
ARdawg
December 27th, 2009
4:17 pm
TampaGator
You failed to mention working on his “faith”. Your coach is very quickly becoming the laughingstock college football. WTF is going on down there?
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:19 pm
You know, I don’t remember any pictures of Woody Hayes kissing Archie Griffin’s ass. Urban is sure attached to that Tebow. Where are CUM and Tebow gonna live together for the next few months.
CRYING DAWG
December 27th, 2009
4:20 pm
Us UGA fans are just upset that we have to go back to work tomorrow for those mean Techies and Urban will continue to beat us like bongo drums. Too bad we aren’t smart enough to even locate Shreveport on a map.
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:20 pm
And at least you owned up to that bitch scedule.
Nick Saban
December 27th, 2009
4:21 pm
“I have no interest at all in the UF job.”
Shreveport Smack Talker
December 27th, 2009
4:21 pm
Tech doesn’t bother us, Tech doesn’t matter, Tech lost 8 of 9, etc, etc……
Ummmm, Tech is playin’ in ten times the bowl game, Tech’s coach is talked about as a possible replacement at any major college with a coaching opening, hell, the best football player in college football gets a trophy named after a Tech coach.
Know what really bothers you dawgies? You’re not even relevant anymore. Even if you beat us, you’re still not. You’re a second tier program waiting to play a game in Shreveport and surrounded with uncertainty about next year’s team.
At least find some new insults, lower IQ types say the same things over and over and over….
Flo-Ri-Duh!
December 27th, 2009
4:21 pm
This flip flop will cause more problems for Florida recruiting than if Meyer had just gone ahead and stepped down. Florida can’t get Mullen to leave Miss State to be Florida’s new head coach under these conditions and Meyer probably won’t come back in two years any way. Meyer is a multi millionaire and doesn’t have to do this. His ego won’t let him go out easy.
Ghost of Uga 7
December 27th, 2009
4:22 pm
Tsk tsk, dawg fans. As the most educated, most house-trained, and least in-bred member of the entire bulldog nation, I must ask you all to refrain from such crude behavior on these boards. You are an embarrasment to the already embarrassing university. Now, I must go ghost pee on a ghost hydrant.
Brian Van Gorder
December 27th, 2009
4:23 pm
“Does UF still need at DC? I now feel that I was meant for College Football.”
TML
December 27th, 2009
4:23 pm
Why would it matter if the media turned on him? They don’t pay his salary. They don’t control his job. Heck, they don’t even vote in the B[C]S now – remember they pulled the AP poll out of the formula – so they don’t even control his national championship hopes if he has an undefeated or 1-loss team. Also remember that Billy Donovan did this same thing….and he was – and is – at Florida too. That arrangement ened up working out. I don’t see why this one won’t.
Sorry Buttlickers…Urabn’s still around to remind you of who you REALLY are on a yearly basis.
“Toe Meets Leather” is available at http://www.stinGTees.com.
Lame Duck
December 27th, 2009
4:23 pm
Dennis…how can freshman stand around for a couple of years watching others play??? Sorry, but Florida does not lose 90% of its offense. They are going to lose a QB, a TE, a WR, and 2 OL. That is less than 50% from what I know about math. Plus, they get back 2 injured WRs, an experienced and talented QB in Brantley (every media type has said he is currently the 3rd best QB in the SEC), and all their running backs. Plus, the OL is very deep with a lot of talented freshman, rsfreshman, sophs, and jrs. And the D will be very good again next year. So continue to dream…and your worst nightmare just happened in your dream when Meyer announced his change of heart. Adazio will do a great job next year. Now the Gators just need to announce their DC and get one new assistant coach to replace strong as the LBs coach…probably Willie Martinez (who will immediately go to South Florida and help get all the recruits back in the fold). Go Gators.
Tech was dominated by UGA & UGA owns tech
December 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
ha, ha, ha…That ACC sure is a tough conference…pansies…
lol
Stimulus Sam
December 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
In this uncertain economy, the most job stability in America is offered when you become an assistant coach at the University of Georgia. No one is going to recruit you for another position, and St. Richt isn’t gonna fire you unless his hand is forced. Or he’s headed to Shreveport to play some ball…..
KJ
December 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
All he needed was a cuddling session with Timmy Christ, that’s enough to heal anybody.
“Foot Meets Rectum” is available at http://www.30-24.com
Phil Fulmer
December 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
“Is there any speculation that my name may surface as a possible candidate?” “I can coach some ball.”
TampaGator
December 27th, 2009
4:27 pm
ARdawg…laughingstocks don’t get the national media coverage that Meyer received. And his faith in God is real…he just does not wear in on his “fundy” sleave like the Georgia HC.
Statistics Sam
December 27th, 2009
4:28 pm
Ummmm, who’s giving these dawg fans all these old past statistics? We damn sure know they’re not calculating them!
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:29 pm
Man Lou Holtz just spat thru the tv all over my floor. Can’t control that?
Techster Terry
December 27th, 2009
4:29 pm
Ummmm, if we don’t matter, why do you dawgies keep talking about beating us? Shouldn’t you spend the time spreading the glory about your successes against Kentucky and Tennessee?
SatchelBuzz
December 27th, 2009
4:31 pm
How stupid goes ugag look now,…they’ve spent the last few hours “celebrating” Meyer’s departure,….but he’s staying! Some things never change,..except for the new low georgia fans sunk to in the fact they cheered when Coach Meyer expressed concerns about his health. ugag is still in Shreveport,..Renner is going to declare,…book now for Birmingham boys,….you are what you are,……3rd best in the East. Say goodbye to bowl games in Florida,…and special thanks to Retard Jones,…..payback is hell.
THWG!!
Steve Spurrier
December 27th, 2009
4:31 pm
“Well, someone said that Florida needed someone to bring back pitchin it around a little bit. From what I’m told, no one has ever hung 100 on Georgia. I might be interested. Hell, I could start talking smack again at a decent program.”
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:32 pm
what are recruits supposed to do when they don’t know who will coach the first game? This is a joke. Urban coulda took one more day and thought bout it. Florida is a great state for flip flops.
Urban Fire
December 27th, 2009
4:33 pm
Better tighten up those sphincters, dawgies, I’m back! Soon, you’ll have to assume the position again……
KJ
December 27th, 2009
4:35 pm
“Ummmm, if we don’t matter, why do you dawgies keep talking about beating us? ”
You have your friends m, ramble on, st simons, yellow fuzz et. al. to thank for that.
Also, it’s fun watching all the gnats revert to their default state of living vicariously through teams that are capable of beating UGA.
Urban Cryer
December 27th, 2009
4:37 pm
Tony,. this does more damage to UF’s recruiting than help. I’m not sure what you’re thinking when you write that this is to hold their recruiting class together. Coaches are now going to walk into the living rooms, telling recruits that UF’s program is officially in limbo. Who knows if Meyer is coming back? Who knows if he’s going to coach? What direction does the offense take now, is it spread option or do they insert a pro style? What was a bad day for UF has become a complete and utter trainwreck.
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:39 pm
Alright, no more personal shots at Meyer. He shoulda been smarter bout this situation. Coaches have a bad enough name with all the moving and double talk. I have no interest in the job…….right now.
My Name Is Brett Favre No Its Not Yes It Is...
December 27th, 2009
4:41 pm
Maybe he can coach for the Vikings.
Phil Fulmer
December 27th, 2009
4:42 pm
Damn.. Time to toss another line.
RonZook
December 27th, 2009
4:42 pm
Hey TAMPA GATOR. Rememer me. Well,I want to come back too. Am I still part of the G-Nation? Please
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:43 pm
Well , whatever UF does, Bobo had better go spread . Murray is good but not an I formation QB.
jerry
December 27th, 2009
4:44 pm
Urban giveth UGA hope and Urban taketh away UGA hope.
Sensei John Kreese
December 27th, 2009
4:45 pm
Wow, you have to love the Tech fans having to piggyback on victories of SEC schools over UGA.
Too bad they weren’t man enough to beat Georgia in their own house. You’re right Tech fans. UGA lost to OK. State, LSU, Tennessee, Florida and Kentucky. Then, they turned around and KICKED YOUR BUTT in your stadium, on national, prime time television. What was supposed to be the coming out party for Tech and their “genius” head coach turned out to be the same story people in these parts have known for years. So, one more time:
Butterfinger – The official candy bar of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Caleb King just scored again!!!
30-24 glad it STILL hurts so bad!!!
There’s a new sheriff in town, and he just got OUT COACHED BY WILLIE MARTINEZ, LESSONS IN RUNNING THE BALL FROM MIKE BOBO, AND HIS BUTT KICKED BY MARK RICHT AND YOUR UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA BULLDOGS!!!
Oh, by the way, in case you forgot, Waushaun and Caleb RUN THIS STATE!!!
DEAL WITH IT LOSERS, NO MATTER WHAT BOWL GAME YOUR PLAYING IN, YOU STILL COULDN’T GET IT DONE WHEN IT MATTERED MOST!
Why all the HATING on Tech
December 27th, 2009
4:47 pm
I didnt think Tech mattered to Georgia fans !!!! Georgia beat Tech with its best game against Tech’s worst… I like Tech’s chances…
As for empty seats in the Orange… at least Tech is in a BCS game… your season will be OVER tomorrow … in Shreveport… LOL… Shreveport !!!
Georgia is 7-5… and may finish 7-6 … what a sorry program in Athens…
Tommy Tuberville
December 27th, 2009
4:47 pm
Phil, wanna go fishin’?
Big L
December 27th, 2009
4:49 pm
Oh well, doesn’t change anything. It’s up to CMR to beat the Gaytors. Not a wishy washy coach.
ratherBgambling
December 27th, 2009
4:50 pm
As long as Kiffin is around, there will only be one laughing stock of the SEC.
Spurrier, Zook, Meyer and now Adazzio gets to crush the pups
Oy!
December 27th, 2009
4:51 pm
more confused than a herd of lesbians in a fish market. whoa!
CRYING DAWG
December 27th, 2009
4:52 pm
I salute Georgia Tech. It’s just hard to watch you climbing back to national prominence, and us DAWG fans finding you can’t even get to Shreveport from anywhere.
CRYING DAWG
December 27th, 2009
4:53 pm
I will always love the DAWGS, no matter how far they fall…and fall…and fall…and fall.
Buckhead Bulldog
December 27th, 2009
4:57 pm
Why all the HATING on Tech: Tech always has been and always will be our A#1 rival….make no mistake about that! Others will say UF, AU but just look at the response UGA fans, players, and coaches had after last year’s loss….Clean Old Fashioned Hate is VERY much alive and kicking in 2009.
PS Good luck in your well deserved Orange Bowl game. I hope y’all bring back a victory!
Sic’em Dogs!
Urban Meyer
December 27th, 2009
4:58 pm
I am the UGA terminator! I’ll be back!
uga1989
December 27th, 2009
4:58 pm
Aw, it was seeing the pwetty pwayers come out on da field dat changed Urban’s mind. DRAMA QUEEN!!!! Who would want to play for this flake?
Mike S
December 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
Tanslation of Meyer’s flip flop : THE NEW CONTRACT EXSTENTION NEGOTIATIONS ARE MOVING AHEAD NICELY!
GATOR HATER
December 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
I told you first thre true rumor is Meyer is marrying Tebow, no need to resign then,
ratherBgambling
December 27th, 2009
5:01 pm
The dynasty continues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oscer myer
December 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
Way to go URBAN!
Ron Zook owns the bulldawg nation
December 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
I say its great to be a Georgia Bulldawg .. in Shreveport !
2010 is really really really really gonna be our year
GT STILL IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
HAHHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHHAHHA MORE HAHAHHAHHAAHHHAHHHAAHHAHAHA FOREVER AND EVER.
Big L
December 27th, 2009
5:03 pm
Guess we will wait and see.