Urban Meyer: Could He Be Picking His Successor?

Urban Meyer looked relieved as he talked about last year's "wake up call" and told the nation that he has decided to step down as the University of Florida head football coach on Wednesday.

"I doing what's best for the University of Florida and its players," Meyer said. "I want to be judged as a husband and father rather than how many bowl games you win," he said in a subdued voice.

He has two major tasks remaining. He will coach the Gators against Penn State in the Outback Bowl and there's no doubt he has already discussed the line of succession with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley.

"I'm sure the candidates will be terrific," Meyer predicted. And no one is in a better position to help choose the next Florida football coach. He is tight with both Foley and university president James Machen.

Meyer knew his program was sliding. "It has to be fixed," he reiterated Wednesday. "It is broken because of a constant attrition of coaches." Meyer's most recent losses were Dan Mullen two years ago and Charlie Strong last year.

Mullen was the offensive coordinator. He left for Mississippi State after the 2008 season, then Meyer lost Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow the next year. With both gone, the Florida offense had no identity this season.

With the defense in good shape, Meyer may be leaning toward having Mullen return to Florida as his successor. Mullen was with him at Utah as the quarterbacks coach and had a good season this year at Mississippi State, going 8-4.

Strong just finished his first season at Louisville and has the Cardinals in a bowl game, exceeding all expectations.

Mullen and Strong are both close to Meyer and could be choices 1-A and 1-B.

Meyer expressed frustration over this season. "Florida deserves our best. I'm not sure we gave 'em our best this year," he admitted.

Meyer will now make calls to recruits and try to persuade them to cast their lots with the Gator Nation.

"Florida is Florida," Meyer emphasized.

Where does Meyer go from here?

After the Outback Bowl, he'll be through. He may eventually find his way to a desk in Bristol (ESPN) or some broadcast booth.

In the meantime, he'll prepare his team and most likely help pick the next Gator coach.

And it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if he's already talked about it to Dan Mullen or Charlie Strong.

After all, Florida is Florida.