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
Sheveport Party Scene
December 28th, 2009
6:18 am
I’ve been partying hard here for 2 days–with some real hot women at the country music bars and great PBR specials. And the Motel 6 is the finest I’ve seen, with running water, which even gets hot sometimes!! Even better, at the game today, I heard you get a free spitcup at the gate–they think of everything here! Gotta go—more partying till game time and another cold PBR!!!
Bobbi Dud
December 28th, 2009
6:27 am
Trying to keep their recruits for 2010! Meyer won’t coach after bowl game!
brave1
December 28th, 2009
6:32 am
How did coaching for him go from being a danger to his health to where he just needs a vacation?
Big L
December 28th, 2009
6:41 am
I just heard that during his leave, Urban and Tebow are gonna go herd sheep in Wyoming, cause UM don’t know how to quit Tebow.
Bull Gator
December 28th, 2009
7:35 am
Big L, you are an idiot.
Monday 28Dec Links « Leather Helmet Blog
December 28th, 2009
7:47 am
[...] 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. [...]
motel 6 shreveport
December 28th, 2009
8:06 am
Johnny Test, ACC is now 1-0 against SEC in bowl games (who are 0-1)
Worried Dawg
December 28th, 2009
8:10 am
Darn….I thought we had a shot in beating UF in the next 10 years. Now that Urban apprarently will be back, the Gators will continue to whip our sorry arses.
Reality Check
December 28th, 2009
8:17 am
I think Urban Meyer’s phsyciatrist need to change Urban’s medications.
GatorNation
December 28th, 2009
8:19 am
We could care less what any of those few Georgia Tech fans think. They are a tiny football program in a third rate conference. We own the Bulldogs and the Bulldogs own Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech is insignificant.
Georgia Tech party scene....
December 28th, 2009
8:21 am
is 3 Pakistani GA Tech students a, 2 more from India, 2 ugly street hookers and a six pack of Miller Lite.
SugarHillDawgFan
December 28th, 2009
8:22 am
Urban Crier-What a Pathetic piece of s**t you are. You sure weren’t crying when you were beating the Charelston Southerns and the Citadels were you. Now that Timmy is gone its wah wah wah. Just do us all a favor and leave. I guess its par for the course at Florida to play the change your mind game. Hey Crier heres an idea,stay long enough for the new recruits to commit then annouce that you are leaving again.
Sam Adams
December 28th, 2009
8:31 am
Really? Making millions of dollars a year to coach kids playing a game is stressful? Seriously? I mean, Urban Meyer seems like a great guy and I don’t mean to be insulting, but it cracks me up the way we all deify these occupations, when, while challenging, I don’t think can be called stressful. Being a cop? stress. Nurse? stress. Wondering if you can pay yur mortgage while working extra shifts at night at a plant? stress. Getting paid millions to coach kids? come on. Man. Up.
Worried Dawg
December 28th, 2009
8:41 am
I’m just sitting here at the motel six in Shreveport, drinking a PBR, and waiting for the best bowl game of the year. I hope we win…maybe we will crack the Top 50.
Johnny Walker
December 28th, 2009
8:42 am
I agree with my bro Sam Adams. Walk hard, Meyer!
Johnny Walker
December 28th, 2009
8:43 am
wtf is a pbr?
Urban Meyer's Wife
December 28th, 2009
8:46 am
I’m so infuriated with Urbie right now, I mean he told us he would be there for us and then Foley lays down a few more mil and nice annuity and I’m stuck by myself again! Oh well, maybe I’ll make him buy me that mink coat I’ve been wanting.
jc
December 28th, 2009
9:05 am
Georgia fans have so much hate for Tech, they must be jealous of something?!?!?!?!Maybe because Tech players and fans have BRAINS!!!!
Bill
December 28th, 2009
9:08 am
Good job Tony. Very well said.
417 blogs and only about 50 on Meyers at Fla. The others are all hate blogs against GT and UGA. What a sick world we live in.
how2fish
December 28th, 2009
9:12 am
Worried Dawg you can quit worring we beat the “Champs” of the ACC like rented mules…and JC bug players and fans have brains????.then why couldn’t Reggie Ball count to 4????
GatorKim
December 28th, 2009
9:14 am
I FLOVE how UGAg fans are obsessed with Florida, 365 days a year!! I bet 9 of 10 UGAg fans couldn’t name the bowl they’re in, where it is, & who they’re playing. CHUMPS!!!
how2fish
December 28th, 2009
9:14 am
Bill good point I think a lot of us are confused on the Meyer story and are sort of just waiting and see how it shakes out. If he has health issues he should do what ever is needed to address them..I wish him and his family the best..I hope he continues at UF to be the best you have to beat the best.
how2fish
December 28th, 2009
9:17 am
GatorKim we are so obsessed we made 50 comments out 400+ about the flip-flopping of your head coach…you have more things to worry about right now that UGA’s obsession with UF.
Atlanta Gator
December 28th, 2009
9:23 am
Well, color me surprised, shocked, in fact . . . and, no, I didn’t see this one coming. Not at all.
I am glad to hear Urban Meyer is returning to Florida. I hope it is soon, but I also hope that whatever health issue has manifested itself that Meyer has the good sense to take care of it before he returns full-time. Meyer has done a lot for the University of Florida and football program in the last five years, and Jeremy Foley and Bernie Machen should insist that Meyer be genuinely well before Meyer returns to the sidelines. Frankly, it’s the least the university should do for Meyer.
Bill
December 28th, 2009
9:31 am
how2fish..9:14 agree.
KB
December 28th, 2009
9:35 am
I hope U. Meyer truly understands that you get only one life, one body, and one blood family. More and more guys get wrapped up in their jobs and find out later down the road that their blood families mean more to them than that job. I don’t think Urban can change. He is who he is.
Part of this to blame is the AD Foley. He is more concerned about the money and wins Mr. Meyer is bringing to Florida than than Mr. Meyer’s health. You can’t tell me that you have worked with this guy for all this time and didn’t see the signs of this coming along? And he call himself one of Mr. Meyer’s friend? I bet a million days his wife and kids tried to tell Mr. Meyer to slow down. The FA administration didn’t.
The majority of the silly college fans (both Georgia and Florida) of both schools don’t care about the toll coaching does to men’s families let alone the coaches themselves. Look I am avid GA fan, but even I know success comes with a price. If Urban Meyer wants continue to go for national championships and die very soon in the process, by all means go. I just don’t want to hear nothing from all of your fans of FA if you don’t encourage your coach to be more concerned about his body and family than the football program.
Urban my man, please slow down. If you don’t your body will do it for you. And believe me, there is no opposition team that will destroy you than your own body and intermediate family.
KB
December 28th, 2009
9:40 am
One other than I will say to you Mr. Meyer,
Learn to give your body a break or your body will take a break on you (permenately.)
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
9:49 am
UF coaches are a little wish-washy. First Billy now Urban. Seriously, I hope Myer gets well and returns. He’s a great coach and a great motivator. Wish he lived in Athens…..
Gator Mike
December 28th, 2009
9:53 am
All of this talk about recruiting is pure conjecture by many folks whose only passion is to hate UF because of the success we have had with Urban. This matter is internal to UF, and Urban’s health concern is a private matter as it is for everyone in our country. Shelley Meyer, UF President Machen and AD Foley plus the doctors at Shands have a handle on the situation.
My advice to all of the Gator Haters is to be more concerned about your own teams rather than hypothesizing on the situation at UF. Coach Meyer and his wife will figure out what is best for them. If he gets out of coaching, he is still a GATOR. If he fixes his health problem and recharges his battery, he could come back with a vengeance and be better than ever.
This is a UF problem, and the Gator Nation does not give a hoot what the so called sports expert at the AJC, ESPN and Gainesville Sun think. We especially do not care what Dawg, Vol, etc. fans think because it is simply none of their business.
GO GATORS!
how2fish
December 28th, 2009
10:34 am
Gator Mike it does affect every fan in the SEC..I for one Hate the Gators..I don’t hate Tebow,Meyer etc..I hope Coach Meyer is on the sidelines this year and the Dawgs beat him..cause to be teh best you have to beat the best.And once we do beat the Gators I don’t want to listen to Gator fans ‘well if Meyer were still here” we would have won etc..you know there are Gator fans that will bring that out..nope as a Dawg fan I wish him a full recovery..he is a fine coach and I want to beat him at the top of his game.
Smokewagon
December 28th, 2009
10:35 am
I personally am puking sick and tired of the Tech fans squalking about their little pea brains. The only thing they can revert to when losing is their (lack of) intelligence. These are some of the most dog stupid people I have ever met in my life. I have seen nothing good come out of that university in a long time and absolutely no accomplishments in recent history except providing a conduit to pump good American technology (invented at MIT) into the hands of our enemies.
Cindy
December 28th, 2009
10:42 am
Don’t ever hire a Tech grad. They are arrogant, theoretical only, and will never admit a mistake even when it’s apparent. They talk a good game but when it’s time to produce they are MIA.
how2fish
December 28th, 2009
10:57 am
Cindy I have couple that work for me…I mostly just flash a red and black jersey at them and they come to Jesus quickly. If they get really bad I block out their World of Warcraft access until they come around.
are you kidding me?
December 28th, 2009
10:58 am
Dear Herbal Meyer- please tell the world again about how important your family and your faith are and how lots of coaches forget that but that you haven’t(cought) and how important it is to have your priorities straight as a man of faith would. And then tell us again how the life changing decision that you made 24 hours earlier was incorrect and that a vacation will do instead. Because you can now “will” the stress away!!! Have trouble making decisions do ya?? Kinda like the half gamer for Spikes?? Hmmm? What a crock!!!! Herbal Crier indeed!!!
are you kidding me?
December 28th, 2009
11:01 am
The hate for the Gators has nothing to do with your recent success- it has everything to do with your arrogant and classless fans. You know- the same ones that love those mullets and jorts!!! Yeah baby. The salad days are over folks regardless of who coaches next year. Deal with it.
Big L
December 28th, 2009
11:32 am
Hey Bull Dyke, ……I mean gaytor, Is name callin really necassery? Reverting to childish ways is a favorite pastime of mine ,but usually peopl like you get their feelings hurt. You need to get this aggresion out of your system. Tell that purty little Gaytor gal of yours, to drop them jean shorts. It’s time for .38 special and a little alone time.
Big L
December 28th, 2009
11:39 am
Hey r u kidding me. I think you might be wrong. I relish in being as classless as possible. After 20 years of beatings we gotta hold to something. But I tell ya, their era is over. A playe rlike Tebow don’t come around too often. With everybody leaving and an exact 20 year period ending. The jean shorts nation are bout toget introduced to the fact that before 1990, the Gaytor nation was insignigant. All will be right with the world before long.Sleeping like babes in St. Richt’s bossom.
Big L
December 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
Am I the only one wondering how off time in the off season is gonna help. I would think that the regular season and the pressure to win would be the time to relax. Just an observation.
Jeff
December 28th, 2009
12:21 pm
Yes, Tony- UC will get plenty of coverage when they beat Florida. Timmy cries and Urban comes back……will be so glad when blow is gone after the sugar bowl. Talk about a love affair….sick…really sick
Worried Dawg
December 28th, 2009
12:54 pm
We will probably lose to the Aggies. We suck. Next year looks like 6-6 with losses to UF, TN, SC, KY, AU and GT……Woe is me!!
Big L
December 28th, 2009
1:49 pm
Now worried dawg, if you really believe that then you must be a yechie in dawgs clothing. 6-6 my butt.
Hello Shreveport!
December 28th, 2009
1:55 pm
Just got to shreveport—anyone know the address of that motel 6?–need to check in and get my cooler filled before heading over to the big game!!!! It’s going to be an all day PBR fest—I’ll drink hard till game time, sneak a bottle of Ole Grand Dad into the game and live it up big at this exciting game!!!
Worried Dawg
December 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
Well, gotta go and get liquored up for the big game. We will get our arses handed to us but i don’t care. I’m gonna get drunk and throw up my buffet all over an Aggie fan.
Johnny Test
December 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
Hey the A-she-she division champion beat the 7th best SEC team in the Music City Bowl. I know that makes you A-she-she fans proud. Now what do you think would have happened if Clemson had played the SEC runner up? I believe that makes the SEC 5 and the A-she-she 3 so far with the A-she-she wins against Miss St., Vanderbilt and Kentucky by the A-she-she’s two best teams.. If you guys want to brag about that then have at it. It just shows how desperate that conference is for respect.
Bill
January 1st, 2010
5:36 pm
Tony, According to ESPN a high school recruit said he talked to Myers on Monday and Myers told him he would be back in Aug. My question, I tought this was a Recruiting DEA=D Period where no contact was allowed? Is this over or why has no one commented on this since ESPN carried the kid live from the all star game saying he had talked to Myers on Monday