Urban Meyer Steps Down at Florida, Questions To Be Answered Later
Urban Meyer is stepping down at Florida according to breaking reports from the University of Florida and ESPN TV.
There are not a lot of answers, only a lot of questions at this point.
Is it something to do with his arachnoid cyst. The prior public mention of a Meyer illness was his arachnoid cyst on his brain that was discovered in 1998. Doctors told him then it was not life threatening, but he could suffer head pain if the stress caused the condition to flare up.
He was hospitalized after the SEC Championship Game when the team returned to Gainesville, but it was said to have been dehydration. Could it have been more? Was more discovered at that time?
After just five of the most successful seasons in Florida football history, this news is a shock to not just the Gator fan base, but to all of college football.
In a statement by Meyer himself, he plans on staying in Gainesville, but plans on concentrating on his health and his family and faith.
The whole statement is, "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,'' said Meyer in a 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. (Bernie) Machen, (athletic director) 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."
There are no statements that he will not coach the Gators in the upcoming Sugar Bowl and apparently Meyer has every indication of coaching this final game. The statement and step down came as shocking news to all of us who cover the SEC on a daily basis.
Everyone at this publication wishes Urban Meyer the best. He is a true class act and his record speaks for itself.
More will be published as more becomes available.
Speculation now turns to who will take over as the head coach. Will they promote from within, will they offer Will Muschamp the opportunity to take over Florida instead of Texas?
One things for certain, this will certainly give this dead week a lot to talk about.
