Urban Meyer: The Head Coach Of The Florida Gators Expected To Announce Resignation

Urban Meyer, according to several reports, is stepping down as the head coach of the University of Florida. His decision will be made effective in a few hours when a press conference is due to take place.

Meyer's health has been the main concern. News slowly began to leak out earlier today regarding his resignation, and it was made official by GatorUpdates, via twitter, and Brett Murphy from AOL Fanhouse later on.

Since taking over as head coach of the Gators in 2005, Meyer has 64-15 record that includes 36-13 in the SEC, 4-1 in five bowl appearances, and a victor of two national championships.

This is the same guy who came from the University of Utah where he secured a 22-2 record with the Utes in two seasons at the helm.

Meyer is expected to coach the Gators in their bowl game. You can bet that the team will want to send him out in winning fashion as they take on Penn State in the Outback Bowl.

In an article written by Scott Carter of GatorZone.com, Meyer says it's time to focus on life away from football.

“I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and, during that time, my primary focus has been helping my teams win titles,” Meyer said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and I am a fierce competitor to my core. At this time in my life, however, I appreciate the sacrifices my 24/7 profession has demanded of me, and I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field. The decision to step down was a difficult one.

“But after spending more than two decades motivating and celebrating the young men I’ve been so proud to coach, I relish the opportunity to cheer for my three terrific kids as they compete in their own respective sports. I know how fortunate I am to be in a position to make this choice and to have a family that is as loving and supportive as my amazing wife and children have always been.”

I applaud Meyer for his ability to get the best out of his players and keep the Gators as one of the best teams in college football year in and year out.

It's time for him to focus on his health and his family. Most coaches wouldn't make the decision that Meyer is making, but it's the right time and right decision.

Though I've never been a fan of the Gators, I have respect for the coaches that hold their players to higher expectations both on and off the field.

Five or ten years from now, we'll look back at the SEC and remember what Urban Meyer was able to do at the University of Florida, respecting the kind of teams he brought from one season to the next.