So much for R&R: Urban Meyer to coach spring practice
When the definitive biography of Urban Meyer is written (not by me, I believe it’s safe to say), the bizarre doings and undoings of Dec. 26-27, 2009, will be a footnote. The man who quit and then decided instead on a leave of absence says he’ll take a bit of time off after Signing Day. But apparently nothing more.
Meyer said Saturday he plans to coach his Gators in spring practice. If that’s indeed the case — with Meyer, any declaration must carry a disclaimer — then there seems no chance he won’t coach Florida in the 2010 season. And if he coaches Florida next season, that restores some semblance of order to an SEC East in deep-dish flux.
You’d have to say Florida is again the prohibitive favorite to take the division and play for the SEC title. And you’d have to say those reports of the Gators being in disarray after Meyer’s volte-face would, in the blush of recent developments, seem overheated. Doesn’t seem to be hurting recruiting, does it? (Rivals.com ranks Florida No. 1 for its 2010 class, of which 21 of the 25 commitments are rated either 4- or 5-star.) This despite the latest smear campaign from the crown prince of dirt.
A year ago Lane Kiffin accused Meyer, incorrectly, of cheating. Being based three time zones away apparently hasn’t slaked the Kiffin thirst: According to GatorCountry.com, Kiffin and henchman Ed Orgeron have been telling recruits that Meyer is planning to succeed Lee Corso on ESPN’s “Gameday.”
In 1995 Mike Krzyzewski took a leave of absence after back surgery. It was a big deal at the time, but he returned the next season and coaches Duke still. It’s not a big deal anymore, hasn’t been for 15 years. It’s a footnote in a career that has totaled three NCAA championships. Urban Meyer has won the BCS titles twice. Not predicting another anytime soon, mind you. Just sayin’.
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402 comments Add your comment
ga gator
January 24th, 2010
12:23 pm
Listen, I have to go fella’s. It has been fun jouseling with all of you. I respect UGA and like your coach who is a great man but it your business who your coach is. Quit worrying about who coaches the Gators, it makes you look bad.
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January 24th, 2010
12:25 pm
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ga gator
January 24th, 2010
12:25 pm
Thanks Dawgnation, as Sean Hannity says: Your a great American!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
January 24th, 2010
12:35 pm
ga gator
January 24th, 2010
12:25 pm
Thanks Dawgnation, as Sean Hannity says: Your a great American!
. . . but he doesn’t say it just like that, does he?
Back to the thinner.
JackP
January 24th, 2010
12:38 pm
Urban is a teenie bopper at heart. His daddy needs to give him a swift kick in the arse and discuss life’s trials and tribulations with little Urban.
SWGADAWG
January 24th, 2010
12:41 pm
Meyer was involved in a charator building exercise on truthfulness. Did he pass???
Steve Babik
January 24th, 2010
12:47 pm
Want to see Urban’s undies?
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
January 24th, 2010
12:49 pm
Coach Willie got his walking papers a few days before Christmas. Can you imagine that? I got my a$$ painted right before kickoff. Can you imagine that? Timing is everything, right, Coach Richt?
Bama Stan
January 24th, 2010
12:51 pm
i find it hillarious that all the dawg fans are upset about Urban coming back, but all the Gators want Richt to stay forever. That tells it all. I am glad Urban is staying! That provides Bama good competition for years to come. It will make us better. By the way, comparing Richt and Meyer is a joke. Meyer has 2 National titles in 4 years. Just reality jealous dawgs.
Bama Stan
January 24th, 2010
12:53 pm
And we will play Florida 2x next year.
Dawg 3/20
January 24th, 2010
12:57 pm
A lot of Dawgies green with jealousy about Urban and his success wishing it was UGA and Mark Richt that had those two BCS trophies sitting in Athens.
Urban Meyer, Liar Liar
January 24th, 2010
12:58 pm
Here’s my fav photo of Urban Meyer doing his Jim Carrey Liar Liar impersonation, what a hilarious pic:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/434130708_0fd105479b_o.jpg
Buddy El
January 24th, 2010
12:59 pm
Ga Gator: Don’t come on here looking for respect. We may respect the Gator team but certainly not you or the gator Head Coach or whatever you want to call him. Meyer is doing a very shameful thing through his “I gotta retire. My doctor said so” and follows that up with “I’m back. Just need to take it easy for a few weeks”. I hope the man doesn’t fall dead on the sideline during a game.
Dunkley
January 24th, 2010
12:59 pm
Bama Stan is a wise man, congrats on the title and welcome to the SEC BCS Title club………………membership is now closed. 41-17
Go Dawgs
January 24th, 2010
12:59 pm
Here is another picture of Urban Crier…….Ha Ha
http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/79707/30378_Urban_Meyer.jpg
Gators Fans Jealous of Georgia
January 24th, 2010
1:01 pm
the only reasons the 1 gator guy on here posts all these anti-georgia rants is pure jealousy. they wish they had a coach that could win 90 games in 9 seasons in the sec like richt.
Sabans Haven
January 24th, 2010
1:04 pm
Gator fans jealous of Georgia?
Ok, 3 Titles since 96 and 17 wins in the last 20 against the Dawgs. Most of Gator Nation has seen them win a national title, a lot of Dawg Nation has not.
Orlando Gator
January 24th, 2010
1:09 pm
Only dawg fans care about some old ga victories back in the 1930s and 1940s, during the great depression with leather helmets and no facemasks. Florida owns Georgia for the last 20 years, and will for the next 20 years with Meyer and top recruiting classes–that’s all that matters. Look for another blowout win by Meyer with Brantley in 2010—he’s got an NFL arm. Plus, UF will have more offense this year with a better running game and receivers. Defense? Tons of new talent coming up. Georgia may not win 8 games next year. Florida: another BCS bowl–they are starting to get routine!!!
Georgia finishes #1 5 times
January 24th, 2010
1:09 pm
1927
1942
1946
1968
1980
5 National Championships
Cracker Jack
January 24th, 2010
1:20 pm
I would hate to follow Urban Meyer into combat! Bet General Patton would slap his sissy face !
Sick Puppies
January 24th, 2010
1:21 pm
There sure are a lot of sick puppies on here!
1 Title and 4 half titles
January 24th, 2010
1:23 pm
5 National titles?
Yeah right, keep dreaming. 1980 is the only one you didn’t have to share, we will give you 1942 as well because the UGA website claims that year as a title but you had to share that one with Wisconsin and Ohio State who did win the AP poll. 1927 there was 2 undefeated teams each with a tie and 2 other teams shared that title. 1946 was Notre Dame in each poll but one which had UGA so that is a shared title. 1968 Ohio State finished 10-0 and UGA was 8-1-2 and voted #1 in one poll so that is a shared title too but not really.
OSCAR
January 24th, 2010
1:54 pm
324rd
GaGator
January 24th, 2010
2:12 pm
Urban Meyer gets well and all the dawgs get sick–it’s a beautiful thing.
Leedawg
January 24th, 2010
2:13 pm
Bradeley, your thoughts on Meyer being such an ego-maniac that he makes this whole R&R thing up just to get the attention back on him and off of Tebow????
poopdawg
January 24th, 2010
2:21 pm
Orlando Gator better running game in 2010? When 68% of your running game for the last 4 years graduated(Tebowless)? My sympathys, i would be nervous too. How will the running game be better ? Oh yeah thats right Meyer brought rb coach Stan Drayton back who totally dissed the Gators when he left for UT in 2006 , a hell of guy for sure. The gators will be good on offense in 2010 but somebodys got to have a clue scheme wise and playcalling. The offensive coordinator now asst head coach or coach in charge while Meyer is drying out was not at all impressive. What happened to the new QB coach that was changing Tebow’s throwing motion? Florida needs new ideas on offense.
poopdawg
January 24th, 2010
2:26 pm
Ga gator if you think meyer is well your crazy. Theres more to the story than just chest pains. $hit could hit the fan anytime now in Gainesville, hopefully not before signing day.
jack bull
January 24th, 2010
2:37 pm
Urban Meyer is a great coach, there’s no disputing that fact. but i kinda believe when he says he will coach the spring game, there’s a couple of angles he’s playing. first is the obvious, recruiting. and honestly, i don’t blame him making it look like he’ll be there next year, heck, i’d do the same thing if there was a 1% chance that i’d be there in the fall. the second, is money. maybe his “parachute” wasn’t quite as big as he thought it was. and don’t say, “heck, he’s made millions”. when it comes to money to those kind of guys, there’s never enough.. so when he says he’ll “coach” the spring game, the translation is,,,”i’ll be there on the field walking around enjoying the scenery”….kinda like Bobby Bowden has done the last several years….
adam harrison
January 24th, 2010
2:38 pm
Forgive me, but who’s taking over at Florida QB post-Tebow????
===============================
That’d be John Brantley. He’s only played garbage time pretty much but all I can say is the kid can sling it. And it’s not just me saying either. Chris Low from ESPN, a Vol fan, loves Brantley and some people think he’s a Heisman candidate either in the upcoming season or the next. FL
s set at QB for another 2 years barring Brantley doesn’t leave after 2010.
GaGator
January 24th, 2010
2:39 pm
To all you dawg fans that think Richt is so wonderful.
Try this reality check, the past 5 years when he had to face Meyer:
2005-2009 Ga is 48 & 17, with a 26 & 14 record against the SEC
a 0.65 winning %
2005-2009 Meyer is 57 & 10 with a 34 & 9 against the SEC
a 0.79 winning %
Meyer has had three 13-1 seasons, Richt has had no 13-1 seasons, the past 5 years, he was 13-1 in 2002. In the past 5 years his best year
was 2007 with only a 11-2 record. (yes, I know that’s the only year he
has beaten Florida)
So when it comes to coaching and recruiting Richt can’t hold Meyer’s jock.
oakwood dawg
January 24th, 2010
2:43 pm
Mr. Know It All GaGator–If you are so smart(and you seem to believe you are) answer just one question–Why are you living in Georgia? Seems to me you would be much happier living in Fla and we would be happier too.
adam harrison
January 24th, 2010
2:45 pm
Nobody stays on top forever. The Gators will be good (10-2) but not great. Everything goes in cycles. You cant expect to lose your best offensive player and best defensive player and be as good next year. Brantley a stud? Kentucky game didn’t show me much. Experience can’t be discounted. Florida is going to run the football A LOT more next year while brantley grows into the position. Glad UGA has a stud backfield to rely on. I would be surprised to see any UGA qb throw it more than 20 times a game before mid-season.
=============================
Apparently this guy doesn’t keep up with college football very closely. When FL loses the greatest running QB of all time, there’s no doubt they will throw the ball more when they have a starting QB who’s strength is his arm. In 2009 FL ranked near the bottom of all D-1 schools at pass attempts. Look for that number to go up next year. There’s zero chance FL runs the ball more next year. They’ll have their RB’s run more probably but overall it will be much more of a passing attack, and no one will be able to stop it.
adam harrison
January 24th, 2010
2:45 pm
Urban Meyer is a great coach, there’s no disputing that fact. but i kinda believe when he says he will coach the spring game, there’s a couple of angles he’s playing. first is the obvious, recruiting. and honestly, i don’t blame him making it look like he’ll be there next year, heck, i’d do the same thing if there was a 1% chance that i’d be there in the fall. the second, is money. maybe his “parachute” wasn’t quite as big as he thought it was. and don’t say, “heck, he’s made millions”. when it comes to money to those kind of guys, there’s never enough.. so when he says he’ll “coach” the spring game, the translation is,,,”i’ll be there on the field walking around enjoying the scenery”….kinda like Bobby Bowden has done the last several years….
==================================
This guy has no clue what Urban Meyer is about.
GaGator
January 24th, 2010
2:48 pm
poopdawg
“Florida needs new ideas on offense.”
Not to beat Georgia, the Gators are prohibitive
favorite to win the SEC East—–sorry pooper
adam harrison
January 24th, 2010
2:50 pm
I think FL might only lose on the road next year to Bama. And if it’s a rematch in the SEC Championship look out. FL could shock the world next year and be right back at the top. Brantley will be the biggest difference.
Ginger
January 24th, 2010
2:56 pm
Urban Meyer….have to admire the job at Florida….Tebow was such a great leader, no doubt Tebow was a big part of the success as well. Florida has what 7 players are so going into NFL draft….so next yr—will have new OB, new defensive and offensive players–so those players will be learning…think that Brantley can be pretty good from what I have seem of him….but remains to be seen particularly–his leadership skills…OB play and leadership is so vital….also 4 new assistant coaches—so those coaches will be learning the Meyer system….so expect some mistakes from new players and coaches…Expect Florida to be good…but not has great in past…don’t see them going undefeated…probably 10-2 or 9-3…depending on how well they play and injury factor.
Meyer health situation is at this point unknown wildcard….Having a medical background–I am interested in what is exactly wrong with him–stress–heart–bp etc…If something is so wrong that ambulance has to be called–you wonder….His indecisiveness..makes you wonder….it is I am resigning–health and family —-something sure scared him…—.then gets a little better—..then it is leave of absence for now and maybe back in fall—-then getting a little better— & now it is take a month or so off after signing day and before spring practice……He is addicted to his job and football for sure. Has He made the necessary adjustments to his life so his lifestyle–job–emotions will not aggravate the health problem. I am not so sure about this…..If he gets another health scare–what happens ??…but I do wish him & his family the very best regarding his health and life.
Thinking about UF & UGA game this year…My UGA Dawgs have a lot of questions to answer….but I give UGA a decent chance against them this year if things come together for Dawgs…UF will have to decipher new UGA 3-4 defense….not the same old CWM 4-3 defense that they have played against for many years now. Hoping that Grantham can really confuse Brantley & crew & our defense as really good day next yr in JAX. If so and our offense clicks…maybe just maybe a win.
Go DAWGS !!
.
January 24th, 2010
2:58 pm
Bama Stan
January 24th, 2010
12:51 pm
The “reality” is we beat the tar out of your team, GT, 9 out of 10 times. Bama Stan, we all can tell you are envious by the post you make against UGA, but you are almost becoming like the drunk fool at the party with a lamp shade on his head. Go home fool, everyone laughs at you bitter drivel anyway. Save some face, bro’.
poopdawg
January 24th, 2010
3:08 pm
GaGator I believe yall were a favorite in the SEC title game also . It will be interesting though, no pooping problem here.
Lizardgrad89
January 24th, 2010
3:25 pm
Dawgs are frigging hilarious.
Let’s look at the situation:
1. UGa leads series 46-39-2. You DON’T have 47 wins, UF celebrated their centennial in football in 2006, how could we have played you in 1904? You played a TOWN team. Doesn’t count. BTW, we will be the first team to win 50 games in the series. That is a rock solid guarantee.
2. If UGa is going to count shared national titles, then we can too, so we have 5, same as you. 84, 85, 96, 06, 08. We shared titles in ALL those years. If you want to stick to REAL titles (AP, coaches, BCS), it’s UF 3-1 over Georgia. Soon to be 4-1, then 5-1, then 6-1, then, well, I think you get the idea.
3. Vince Dooley is the only UGa coach since the 50’s to have a winning record against UF. UF has had 5 coaches that had a winning record against UGa since that time. Seems to me the aberration was Dooley, while UF can beat UGa with just about anybody. Don’t expect another Dooley anytime soon, though. Heck, even if you got one, I doubt it would matter. UF is just on another level from UGa now.
4. As for 2010, UF returns 12 starters, including 4 senior offensive linemen, and 5 of the top 6 on a very tough D-line. Plus, we are loaded across the roster BEFORE the new recruits show up with a slew of top quality guys have been waiting their turn. And they have plenty of experience, as we rotate a lot of guys. So, those of you hoping to play a freshman team next year can forget about it. But hey, the best frosh will get PT. Way too much talent coming in for them not to see the field. The incoming class is the backbone of our upcoming NC’s in 2012 and 2013. Our 2010 NC will be won by the studs we already have n campus.
5. Brantley is going to be a GREAT QB for us. We have a loaded WR corps for next year, the blocking is in place, and Brantley has a cannon. And when teams back up to defend the pass, Rainey and Demps will gash them, Gilleslie and Moody will run over them.
6. Any Dawgs who think UGa is going to be close to as good as UF next year in any phase of the game are just deluding themselves. UF is going to be efficient on offense, nasty on defense, and has the athletes to dominate on special teams.
7. Anyone remember what UT did the year after Manning left? With a sturdy defense, an experienced O-line, and a redshirt Junior QB? Remember that? Look for UF to do the same.
8. As for the UGa-UF game next year, Dawgs won’t be within 4 touchdowns. We are simply that much better than you.
This is the Gator’s world. we just let the rest of you play in it.
Lord of the Lizards
January 24th, 2010
4:47 pm
It’s funny how Bama fans on here have an appreciation and respect for Coach Meyer and for winning championships and most Dawg fans on here don’t have a clue. I guess winners just think alike and I will give Bama all their due as Saban has built a championship program as well. Looks like there’s gonna be alot of crimson and orange and blue in the “Georgia” Dome for the next few years. And at the end of the day, all UGA fans will have is more insults to hurl and rumors to spread…
il5
January 24th, 2010
4:49 pm
Florida isn’t a player any more. Georgia needs to worry about Bama and LSU, that’s why Richt went for those DC’s. He isn’t worried about the Gators. Gators will lose 4 games and go 5-3 in the SEC in 2010, like they have 40% of Meyer’s HC.
Brantley = The Next Ron Powlus
January 24th, 2010
4:50 pm
Nobody’s worried about Brantley–he ain’t done nothing–he’s the next Ron Powlus–allhype–no results.
George Edwards--The New Willie Martinez!
January 24th, 2010
4:52 pm
Edwards was a part of the worst scording defense in the NFL–Miami in 2009. Grantham was a part of one of the best in 2009–Cowboys. That’s the difference in why Florida is no longer a player. Saban went after Grantham for DC, and avoided Edwards for DC.
90 Wins in 9 Seasons-Richt is #1
January 24th, 2010
4:55 pm
Richt gets done what Meyer, Saban, and Miles cannot do. It’s about wins. Richt has 90. In 9 seasons. In the SEC. No one else does.
Gators Fans Jealous of Georgia
January 24th, 2010
4:58 pm
Just because you guys can’t get the 90 in 9 in the SEC, doesn’t mean you have to be so jealous of Georgia and Coach Richt. I feel sorry for the LONE RANGER FLORIDA FAN on thsi blog. Sad story. In denial about 2010. clueless about Grantham. Oct. 30 will be a day to remember for Georgia fans.
Meyer--Mr. 5-3 in the SEC, 40% of the time
January 24th, 2010
5:01 pm
The LONE RANGER GATOR FAN on this blog, caN look forward to losses in 2010 to Bama, Georgia & LSU. 5-3 IN THE SEC. That’s Meyer’s track record 2 out 5 seasons, 40% of the time.
ESPN Says End of Era for Meyer in 2009
January 24th, 2010
5:12 pm
I tend to agree, as most experts do.
Nice article by Forde, he lays out the case why it’s the end for Gators.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=4784908
il5
January 24th, 2010
5:32 pm
Grantham was:
#1- the guy Saban wanted as his DC, but Grantham turned Saban down. Grantham has confirmed that he was offered the job by Saban and turned it down.
#2- the guy Will Muschamp recommended to Coach Richt for the Georgia job according to an interview with Grantham on georgiadogs.com
Saban and Muschamp–thew #1 and #2 DC’s in college football.
The best scoring defense wins the SEC and usually plays for the Natl Champ.
All you need to know.
Skipper
January 24th, 2010
8:27 pm
DawgNation,
I was born in 1984. The 70s and 80s mean nothing to me. Buck Belue… Isn’t he the guy that plays alongside John Kincaid on the afternoon drive show?
And, for the record, I was born and raised in Marietta and have every right to post on an AJC blog.
Skipper
January 24th, 2010
8:30 pm
ESPN Says End of Era for Meyer in 2009,
Check the date on that story. A lot has changed in the last three weeks. Face it, pups, you’re dreaming.