Urban Meyer Resigns: How Florida Gators Football Goes on Without Him

University of Florida Football has been dealt a tough hand in the wake of Urban Meyer resigning as its head coach. But the Gators must move on.

In order to continue to be a football powerhouse both in the SEC and at the national level, the Gators need to act quickly and efficiently. And they must make all the right moves.

The Gators’ blueprint will include two crucial moves.

First and foremost, the University of Florida needs to hire Dan Mullen.

He knows the system and he has shown to have what it takes to be a head coach in the SEC.

Just two years removed from being perhaps the most important staff member under Meyer at the University of Florida, Mullen was the offensive coordinator that orchestrated one of the nation’s most powerful offenses in 2007 and 2008. Florida averaged more than 40 points per game in those two years and won the second of its two National Championships with Urban Meyer at the helm.

Mullen’s success only continued after he left Florida for Mississippi State. This season, his first year at the helm for the Bulldogs, they went 8-4 and contended in the toughest conference in the nation.

After hiring Mullen, Florida needs to reassure its 2011 commits that all is well in Gainesville and continue pursuing its recruits.

No less than 17 of the top high school and prep football players in the country have offered their verbal commitments to play next year at the University of Florida. Meyer’s departure and the ensuing confusion over who will take his place is bound to have an effect.

If Florida acts swiftly and reassures each and every player, including top-ranked quarterback Jeff Driskel, the Gators may be able to keep its impressive fourth-ranked recruiting class.

The Gators also have a host of players considering playing next year in Gainesville. Continuing the recruiting process on these players would be the best course of action. Competing schools are sure to let each potential recruit know how badly this could hurt Florida.

The Gators need to be proactive.