According to a press release issued Saturday evening by the university, two-time national championship head coach Urban Meyer will be stepping down at Florida.

"I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program," Meyer said in statement. "I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.

"After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family.

"I'm proud to be a part of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation and I plan to remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida.

"I'm very appreciative for the opportunity I've had to be a part of a tremendous institution - from Dr. Machen to Jeremy Foley and the entire administrative staff at UF. I'm also very thankful for the chance to work with some of the best assistants in college football and coach some of the best college football players and watch them grow both on and off the field as people. I will cherish the relationships with them the most."

The questions are numberous and immediate, as this revalation shocked even the most connected members of the Florida and college football communities. Let's read between the lines as best we can.

1) Who will coach Florida in the January 1 Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati? Despite the health concerns, Meyer does plan to be on the sideline in New Orleans, but that will be his last game (for the time being) in Gainesville.

2) What health-related matter is he referencing? Meyer was treated for what was described as dehydration following an SEC championship game loss to Alabama and there has been mention of chest pain. Clearly, if he plans to continue on for the next week of intense BCS preparations, it is nothing that requires immediate medical attention, but rather something that put a scare into the coach and his family long-term.

3) Who's next at Florida? The Gators recently lost a top assistant, Charlie Strong to Louisville. Don't rule out the possibility of him returning to Gainesville regardless of the consequences. Other internal candidates include quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler and offensive coordinator Steve Addaziio.

Normally, I would be surprised if this wasn't an external hire. Meyer has made Florida one of, if not the top job in college football.

What makes it so difficult is the timing. Names like Jim Harbaugh have seemingly already run the gauntlet of the coaching carousel and reaffirmed their commitment to staying put.

Would Florida hire another Utah head coach and bring Kyle Whittingham in for an interview? He recently won his bowl game and would be able to interview immediately.

Here's the early No. 1 name: Bob Stoops. Mentioned for the Notre Dame position amidst firm denials, he's at a crossroads in his career and has spoken rather openly about other opportunities down the line. He has ties to Florida, as an assistant under Steve Spurrier, and his defenses were among the best in the nation. When Spurrier resigned, the Gators wanted Stoops to take the reigns, but he has only been at Oklahoma a short time. This may be his second chance.

4) What's the immediate impact on recruiting? The Gators currently have 20 verbal commitments who compose a top three recruiting class. This is awfully late in the game to be experiencing program turmoil, with signing day barely a month away. Every single one of these high school players will be hearing from opposing head coaches to the extent that is permissible during the holiday dead period, and intensely thereafter (starting Jan 4). 

 

For more on why I think Bob Stoops is the leading candidate, click here.