Florida fans: Stop whining about Meyer going to Ohio State
Before Florida fans complain, they should remember Urban Meyer won this thing for them -- twice. (AP photo)
(Updated: 10:35 a.m.)
Urban Meyer just went from savior to Satan in Gainesville. Sorry, but did Florida fans really expect he was going to spend the rest of his life sitting in a climate-controlled studio and planting pansies?
Welcome to reality, Gator fans. You’re apparently the last one to figure out that Meyer is no less disingenuous than any other college coach, and he might be worse.
The former Florida coach reportedly has taken the head coaching job at Ohio State, confirming the worst kept secret in sports. Kudos to the blog sites ElevenWarriors and SportsByBrooks, which were way ahead of this story on Nov. 18.
(For what it’s worth: Meyer’s agent denied to cbssports.com’s Dennis Dodd that Meyer has accepted the job. But at this point, we’re probably talking semantics.)
Gator fans are upset. They believe Meyer betrayed them, and, well, maybe he did just a little. They believe he was dishonest, and, well, maybe he was just a little.
But Meyer won two BCS and two SEC championships. He went 65-15 in six seasons, resuscitating a program that had slipped under Ron Zook following Steve Spurrier’s departure. Urban Meyer owes Florida fans nothing.
My pal, George Diaz, of the Orlando Sentinel had an excellent column on this and he was right on point when he wrote: “In Columbus and other Ohio outposts, Urban is a saint. In Gainesville and neighboring communities, he is a sinner. Labels are funny. If Meyer had quit on Ohio State and was returning to coach at Florida, the sentiments would be flip-flopped.”
Now, about Meyer: My belief is that the health scare he suffered nearly two years ago was legit. It probably freaked out his family more than him but that’s the way most coaches are wired. He resigned one day and un-resigned the next, saying he would take only a leave of absence.
The 2010 season was a mess. Meyer couldn’t be as driven (psychotic?) as he wanted to be. The fact Florida slipped (4-4 in the SEC after going 32-9 in the previous nine years) didn’t help. He was worn down. He wasn’t having fun. He needed a break. So he quit. That’s what I believe.
One popular conspiracy theory: Meyer left because he realized he had made some recruiting mistakes and the Gators would be mediocre this season. That could’ve played a role. But if Florida had been better in 2010, maybe he wouldn’t have seemed as worn down, either.
Regardless, the “I just want to spend more time with my family” excuse never washed with anybody. That’s not to say Meyer doesn’t love his wife and children but that never seemed the No. 1 motivating factor in him quitting.
If he really felt that, he wouldn’t be back now. What, after 12 months, he got all of the hugs out of his system?
Meyer just needed a break. Now he returns to Ohio State, where he was a grad assistant for two years. He is a Ohio native. This is as close to a dream job as he will get. (My guess is “dream job” will be mentioned at his introductory news conference.)
None of this means he is making the right decision. If he starts suffering from chest pains again, you will have your answer.
As far as how this affects his family, that’s between them. But nobody should be stunned that Meyer is going to be back on a sideline next season. And if any Florida fans have hard feelings about it, maybe they should take a walk past the trophy case.
By Jeff Schultz
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401 comments Add your comment
Destin Dawg
November 28th, 2011
2:44 pm
TampaGator… Muschamp does not have an ” offensive system “.. he was a D.C… ??? Weis is your O.C… with a cane !!
Destin Dawg
November 28th, 2011
2:45 pm
UGA and FSU getting all the quality recruits !
Silly Bloggers
November 28th, 2011
2:46 pm
TampaGator, I respectfully disagree. There are coaches in transition years and coaches needing time to get their players in line, but Muschamp just looks lost with a bit of craziness to go with it. Miami has struggled this year with every distraction imaginable, but made do with the players he had and always seemed in control of the team and the game. Even Paul Johnson turned a pro-style offense into a triple option to great success when he took over for Gailey. Mullin, while you can argue he took a step back this year (but also in the SEC West), did wonders with Mississippi State.
If there were two coaches that had me scratching my head this year, they would be Will Muschamp and Houston Nutt. Between Muschamp and Weis, I expected more. In your defense though, the Gators were wracked with injuries in key positions. I don’t know if Bradley is just not good or a product of so many different systems. He has been a disaster when in the games, that is for certain.
But, I’m not trying to make fun of your team…this is just my opinion on Muschamp in particular.
bulldog steve
November 28th, 2011
2:47 pm
LSU deserves to be in the BSC game, win or lose. They played the best schedule hands down. Even if they lose to UGA, I have no problem with them still playing in that game. If they win, then, Alabama also deserves to be in that game because their one loss is to an undefeated team. Now if LSU loses to UGA, then Alabama should drop because their “quality loss” is not as much anymore. I believe Alabama only beat one team currently ranked in the top 25. Arkansas being ranked that high is an absolute joke. They got smoked in both their games against LSU and Alabama. They beat South Carolina when they were short handed and not yet adjusted to life after Garcia and Lattimore. LSU loses, then they should play somebody other than Alabama.
Ben Hill Griffen Citrus Co.
November 28th, 2011
2:49 pm
I don’t expect much from Muschamp and Weis.. who hired ‘em?
Destin Dawg
November 28th, 2011
2:52 pm
well said ” Muschamp looks lost with a bit of craziness “
Silly Bloggers
November 28th, 2011
2:54 pm
Bulldog Steve…well said. I have been so much on if LSU deserves to go if they lose to UGA…and I agree that they do, but you are right in that could impact Alabama’s chances. If UGA wins, I think you have to give Oklahoma State another look if they pummel Oklahoma…still, I believe Bama’s resume is better. Losing to a 1-loss LSU is far better then being a 27 point favorite and losing to Texas Tech. Stanford is still out. No conference championship and no quality wins except Notre Dame. Bama has no championship but far better than Stanford. Comes down to Bama and Okie State if LSU loses and Okie State wins.
TheTruthHurts
November 28th, 2011
3:03 pm
Cheer up Gators. You got Muschamp. I figure by the time the Gators can him 2 or 3 years from now, Muschamps’ stock will have dropped like stocks did in 1929.
It could not happen to a nicer group of crocodile fans
November 28th, 2011
3:07 pm
Poor poor crocodiles.
Boo-hoo.
Took a walk-on as your head coach much like your hire of Ron Zook.
Wouldn’t let Steve Spurrier come back. Sold your souls to the Devil with Urban Meyer who only came there because of the RECRUITS you already had on the roster.
He announced he was leaving when he saw those all went to the NFL.
Then, he had to play 1 year with them, anyway.
Now, on greener pastures when Florida is certainly years away from getting back.
6-6 Florida.
Boo-hoo.
Not going to be a good off-season recruiting crocodile fans.
It just couldn’t happen to a better group of jort-wearers.
Did I say you are OBNOXIOUS ?
November 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
You have come on these AJ-C blogs for 20 years and given us h-e double l.
Retired Soldier
November 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
I am a die hard gator fan and I think OSU fans need to watch out. A hangnail or to much coughing
could send Urban the quitter out the door. He has quit everywhere else, why not OSU.
He quit Fla because he thought recruits should flock to Fla because of his greatness. Meyer didn’t want to do the hard work. I would gladly give back one of the national championships to turn back the clock and have the ole ball coach instead of Meyer. What a jerk!
no, you didn't want ole ball coach back
November 28th, 2011
3:14 pm
remember ?
Retired Soldier
November 28th, 2011
3:15 pm
oh yes I do.
Get Real
November 28th, 2011
3:16 pm
After UGA gets whipped this weekend, they will be 10-3, not a bad record, actually pretty good, BUT NOT good enough to be in the BCS bowl talk. And all the whining about Alabama, they are one of the two best teams in the country. UGA isn’t.
Danny G
November 28th, 2011
3:22 pm
Kind of makes you wonder why the Head Coach job at Florida sucks so bad that winning coaches bail out as soon as they can, i.e Spurrier and Urban the Liar Meyer. Got news for you Coach Liar, you can run from the SEC, but you can’t hide. Chomp Chomp Gator fans. Enjoy your over paid Muschump. Go Dawgs!!!
coach
November 28th, 2011
3:22 pm
Meyer fellt pressure from Bama, SC, UGA, Auburn and other SEC teams. he took the coward way out and quit.
no, he really has health problems for real
November 28th, 2011
3:27 pm
He is not extending his life taking over a football program on MAJOR PROBATION.
if you want the ole ball coach back NOW
November 28th, 2011
3:28 pm
You most assuredly did NOT want him back when he came back from the NFL. If you think I cannot remember his exact words at the time, think again crocodile fans.
Dumbo
November 28th, 2011
3:28 pm
To all the Glorious Losers (Techies mostly)….get a life, this article has nothing to do with UGA…but as usual, Losers can’t deal with the reality of Staurday’s 31-17 outcome…give it a rest…this article is about Urban Meyer…nothing to do with UGA…go to the UGA blogs and run your mouths there
Egbert
November 28th, 2011
3:29 pm
My dream scenario: UGA and Ohio State meet in the BCS National Championship game next year, the Dawgs go up by 46 points late, while Murray continues to throw deep to Malcolm Mitchell. RIcht then calls three time outs in succession at the end of the game to personally embarrass the lying, classless, psychotic piece of crap that is Urban Meyer.
Quitters
November 28th, 2011
3:31 pm
Saban leaves for a new job every few years (in fact he’s due to leave the Bamards about now, would’nt you think?
Jeez, Spurrier quits on them and eventually goes to a foe, Meyer cries his way out after losing his boyfriend Tebow. They quit when the well was running dry.
I have to respect the coaches that want to stay somewhere, as long as he’s wanted, through the good times AND the bad. Like that nice winning coach in this state.
UGA Insider
November 28th, 2011
3:35 pm
Yes UF people should be mad. Meyer is taking the LB and S & C coach from UF effective immediately. Rumor is Meyer is going to coach against UF in the Gator Bowl.
7576DAWG
November 28th, 2011
3:39 pm
In the past I couldn’t stand The Big 10 because they only had three teams worth anything and no conference championship. Certainly not deserving even a BCS bowl consideration let alone a BCS championship try. That’s why our top SEC teams have dominated them in all Bowl play the last number of years.
When they added two team’s , and especially Nebraska so they would have 12 teams and a championship that finally made the Big 10 legitimate and worthy.
Now to land one of the best modern day’s coaches, will finally get my respect and other’s. Ohio State will be a force to be reckoned with with Meyer as the head coach. After a few years of getting his recruit’s and his coaches the Big 10 will certainly be a force and one that the SEC will have their hands full.
if you want the ole ball coach back NOW, you ABSOLUTELY turned him down last time
November 28th, 2011
3:40 pm
The University of Florida made Steve Spurrier interview to get the job back. Steve Spurrier said he created the job of football coach at Florida, when there was NONE. That Florida State and Miami were the bomb and that Florida could not compete in-state until he hired his staff of Bob Stoops etc to bring FL their 1st NC 1996. All those SEC Championships. How to beat UGA. All that. Win the game in JAX. Take the week off. He established Florida AHEAD of Florida State and ahead of Miami. They’re both STILL DOWN because of Steve Spurrier.
And, you absolutely REFUSED to let Steve Spurrier come back. Steve Spurrier SAID I ain’t goin’ to interview for a job which is only there because I created it.
Your president Machen was from Utah and he wanted Urban Meyer. So, Urban Meyer you got. But, not before Steve Spurrier got to TURN YOUR SORRY BUTTS DOWN trying to INTERVIEW HIM of all coaches.
You Florida fans have fuzzy memories.
Mine is crystal clear.
Ohio State set to announce Urban Meyer as coach Monday – USA Today | Tucson AZ News and Weather
November 28th, 2011
3:43 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Ken Myers
November 28th, 2011
3:47 pm
For any sport out there, especially today, Money talks, BS walks!!
Urban Cryer Liar
November 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
Sob. sob, why do so many people call me a liar,sob!
Ohio State will NEVER AGAIN be what it was
November 28th, 2011
3:57 pm
The scandals at Ohio State caught up with it this time. It will NEVER be what it had been under Jim Tressel. Trust me on this. Urban Meyer has (1) no health and (2) no recruits. If he thinks they will flock to Ohio State, then (3) why did Urban Meyer take the job at Utah for a couple of years because of the RECRUITS ALREADY THERE and then leave when they left because Urban Meyer didn’t have the get up and go to go recruit his own. Turning his back on that team, cost him at the next job in recruiting too. (4) why did Urban Meyer take the job at Florida for a couple of year, looking exactly as I did my homework at the time on him about the RECRUITS ALREADY AT FLORIDA NOW he could rape. When those all left to the NFL too, Urban Meyer was faced with BOTH NO STAFF WHO ALL LEFT AND NO RECRUITS, not wanting to do the work to actually build a program but RAPE a second one in a row, he announced his health issues, knowing absolutely full-well that he could not build what was HANDED TO HIM by Ron Zook who recruited all those players there but could not coach them. (5) Now, he is going to start a program from scratch at Ohio State on PROBATION ? Yeah, right with his health and with his lack of commitment to recruiting and his desire to ONLY FIND A SCHOOL WITH RECRUITS, stay there couple of years, and wonder why the recruits don’t flock to him, BURNING EVERY BRIDGE HE CAN FIND IN SIGHT every single time.
The recruits HATE Urban Meyer. That is patently obvious.
Ohio State announces Urban Meyer and they have signed on for NOTHINGNESS for years with his lack of commitment. Being a Ohio State non-paid staff member does not make Urban Meyer his dream job at Ohio State. NOT AT THIS TIME with the SCANDALS ongoing as they are RIGHT NOW TODAY AT OHIO STATE.
6-6 Ohio State who LOST THEIR LAST 3 GAMES IN A ROW.
Billy
November 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
now that Meyer is going to Ohio State, will he get a tattoo?
Had enough
November 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
Gater Fans cry all the time.
BG
November 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
Meyer stuck it to UF.
ROCK DAWG
November 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
He knows college football . His record speaks for itself . However,i do not believe the being closer to the family can pass the smell test on why he left florida . He knew the talent level was declining . He was away from the family quite a bit while working for espn . I have never been a fan of ohio state . Never liked woody hayes . All i can say is GO BIG BLUE – HAIL TO THE VICTOR VALIANT HAIL TO THE CONQUERING HEROS !!!!!!! .Lets see what “sanctions” are put on osu now .
Dawg Tired
November 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
Jeff – You gotta give the Gator Nation credit where credit is due. It took a while, but they finally figured out what everyone else knew all along. Yes, even the Florida folks now understand why many folks always called him Urban Liar. Better late than never. Some folks just need a lot more evidence that other folks before they understand even the most obvious things. Sort of like the Bama Nation not understanding that Nick “I’ll not be the football coach at Alabama” Saban is also less than trust worthy. They love the man. The Gator Nation had the same exact blind spot because they loved Urban. But they see clearly now.
kool$kat
November 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
As the Republic still stands, Urban is free man to go to work where he wants and get paid what he can. He is a liar though, denying his interest in coaching, denying his interest in the OSU job, then accepting the same. I don’t understand how recruits can trust his word about playing time, etc. But it won’t matter to most, they just want to play for the big school with the big name coach.
By the way, UGA fans are seriously delusional. Not a factor in the Nat’l Champ picture since 1980. Certainly not going to beat LSU.
wally
November 28th, 2011
4:37 pm
BIG GAME SATURDAY. Georgia does not have much of a running game and that scares me against LSU.I believe Murray is a great quarterback, but i also know LSU is strong and they are fast. I am afraid a one dimensional team will not get it against the Tigers. I hope I am not a fense straggler, but just facing facts..I am thinking a defesive struggle and hoping for the best. GO DOGS COULD IT BE POSSIBLE GA 21 LSU 17
Dawg Tired
November 28th, 2011
4:43 pm
wally – not likely. LSU is really good (as is Bama). Clearly the best two teams in the country IMO.
Sargent Carter
November 28th, 2011
4:44 pm
Now who’s laughin’ Gators?!@#$?! Steve Spurrier’s at South Carolina, Urban Meyer’s at Ohio State, Georgia is the SEC East Champs and you have a former Georgia player as Head Coach. It is like a nightmare and it just get’s worse…What bowl are you going to? See you in Shreveport…LOL..
SuperB
November 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
This is the same “saint” who left the cupboard in Hogtown bare? Not only did he quit coaching in 2010– he apparently– also quit recruiting. And– he lied through his teeth last week about taking the Ohio State job. Some saint!
Rodster
November 28th, 2011
5:17 pm
Meyer, Meyer pants on fire.
Bob
November 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
Meyer can begin building his staff by hiring Zook as his DC…a pretty good position coach, but mediocre head coach. In another year, he can hire Muschamp as recruiting coordinator as he’ll probably be looking for a job.
dawgforlife
November 28th, 2011
5:27 pm
I think the better question is: what is wrong that all these amazingly successful coaches keep leaving UF? Meyer gone…turns up at OSU…Spurrier gone…turns up at South Carolina by way of Washington…I mean, they are not leaving for greener pastures. There are no greener pastures than Florida. Meyer left the chance to be as reveered by Fla fans as Bryant is in Alabama, and Spurrier left literally his dream job…anyone wonder why?…personality conflicts?…AD a jerk?…what is it?
dawgfire
November 28th, 2011
5:27 pm
florida ran off another good coach like they did spurrier—too many rules at fla drove meyer away—now meyer’s going to be winning titles at osu where he can recruit anybody good!
Tiger Town
November 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
LSU and Alabama will rule the SEC for years—it doesn’t matter who coaches florida. LSU will beat them every year easily!!! Muschamp—not in the same league as Les Miles and Nick Saban!!! LSU blows out georgia and beats Alabama by 13 to win another title—it never gets old.
dawgforlife
November 28th, 2011
5:39 pm
careful Tiger…that’s why they play the games…win, lose, or draw, UGA, Bama, and LSU, will all be top 5 teams in 2012. UGA returns 9 starters on the 4th rated defense…UGA’s only significant loses on offense come in the OL…so, if they can sure up the OL, lets just say, the first two games won’t trip ‘em up next season.
hind tit
November 28th, 2011
5:46 pm
Meyer left because he lost a great coaching staff all within two years. The old ball coach left to go pro and didn’t make it and came back to coach college without good assistant coaches and has struggled. Richt lost good assistant coaches and he went down. This is going to be very interesting to see how this plays out. Texas is another that lost the core of a great coaching staff and now Brown don’t look so hot. The head coach does not a ball team make.
LakeDawg
November 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
Florida fans should quit whining and get used to having their own personal Ray Gump…..Will Muschump.
McDonoughGator
November 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
As a 26 year season ticket holder at UF, I appreciate the 6 years that Urban gave us, but I support Will Muschamp 150%. Go Gators!!!
B'dawg
November 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
Dont worry Florida fans. The Urban Liar will leave Ohio St. in a few years too. Then nobody will want to hire him. If his health doesnt catch him first.
Will Muschamp
November 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
I believe Urban. I have always wanted to be a Gator that is why I walked on at UGA because I love the Gators.
Bobby Petrino
November 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
Urban definately didn’t lie.