iuvol2012
*Mythotical and *Rentless
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2008
- Messages
- 4,068
- Likes
- 203
SIAP:
Meyer Says Hes Quitting as Coach of Florida (LINK)
I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have
forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family, Urban
Meyer said in a statement.
By Pete Thamel
Published: December 26, 2009
The night that Florida lost to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game, Florida Coach Urban Meyer awoke in the middle of the night with severe chest pains.
He had suffered from severe chest pains the past two years, but this time was different. He lost consciousness, went to a hospital in an ambulance and underwent more than nine hours of testing.
That night was the tipping point for Meyer, 45, who stunned the college football world Saturday by announcing that he was stepping down from coaching.
There was no heart damage, Meyer said. But I didnt want there to be a bad day where there were three kids sitting around wondering what to do next. It was the pattern of what I was doing and how I was doing it. It was self-destructive.
Meyer said in a telephone interview late Saturday night that that the hospital trip prompted weeks of soul searching that ended on Christmas night. He told his family he would be leaving his job at Florida. He said that his 18-year-old daughter Nicki hugged him and said, I get my daddy back.
I saw it as a sign from God that this was the right thing to do, Meyer said of his daughters reaction. I was worried about letting people down. I was feeling so awful and concerned about my health. That was among several other signs that said its time to back away.
Meyer led Florida to two of the past three national titles and has a career record of 95-18, including a 56-10 mark at Florida.
If there was a hallmark to Meyers coaching style, both on and off the field, it was his relentlessness. He said he found himself e-mailing recruits in church. He said that his 16-year-old daughter had told him that she had not felt like she talked to him in the past two years. In a 10-day period around the SEC title game Meyer said that he had lost 20 pounds.
When your health flashes before your eyes, whats before you means more than anything, he said. I have a strong faith that theres a reason for everything, and God has a plan for us. I just dont know what it is.
Asked if he would return to coaching in the future, Meyer said he had not thought about it. But it appeared clear that he would not return anytime soon. He said his main concern was winning the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on Jan. 1 and making sure he took care of his coaches and his players.
I just want to win this game for these players and make sure that the University of Florida is in good shape, Meyer said. I havent even thought about anything after that, other than Im a Gator and Ill always be a Gator.
The decision came as a surprise to many of those close to Meyer. He said he broke down in tears multiple times when addressing his team Saturday. He said they took the news well, understanding that he was putting his health first.
I was very concerned about that, he said. They were awesome. They stayed 45 minutes afterward.
Even his father, Bud, did not know until a phone call on Saturday night. Bud Meyer said his son had to choose his family.
He just doesnt take losing very well, Bud Meyer said. He feels he has an obligation to raise his family. He takes it extremely hard. Thats what happens.
Mississippi State Coach Dan Mullen said he was stunned by the news, which he heard when he was on an elliptical machine while watching bowls games at his house Saturday. Mullen said that building a successful program consumed Meyer.
When he commits to doing something, it consumed him, Mullen said. I think that takes a toll on you after a while. Putting that much in. It burns you out pretty quick.
The news sent shockwaves through the college football world and raised a fascinating question: Who will replace Meyer in what some consider the best job in college football? The two top candidates will be Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops and Mullen. Both are former Florida assistant coaches: Stoops was defensive coordinator during Steve Spurriers reign and Mullen left after last season to take over at Mississippi State. It is unlikely that the Gators will look to the N.F.L. after Ron Zooks miserable tenure. Other names to be considered would be Boise States Chris Petersen, Stanfords Jim Harbaugh, Louisvilles Charlie Strong and Utahs Kyle Whittingham.
A Florida spokesman, Steve McClain, said that Meyer will be involved in the choice for his successor.
In the high-stakes coaching world, Meyers decision was met with shock and understanding. Many coaches respected his decision.
Being a college football coach, especially at the level of Florida, is like being on Wall Street, T.C.U. Coach Gary Patterson said. Its a pressure that multiplies when you consider all the different things that go along with it. Youre talking about millions of dollars, the pressure to win, the fan base. Its a seven-day evaluation.
In SEC circles, the news was met with disbelief.
Who would have ever thought waking up this morning that Urban Meyer would step down? Mississippi Coach Houston Nutt said. Its a shame. It really is.
For Meyer, it was the only decision.
I made the decision that had to be made at this time, he said. There were all the warning signs. I felt like God was telling me I have to slow down and stop it.
Pete Thamel at it again.
