Urban Meyer Penn State Rumors: Can Meyer, or Any Coach, Rescue This Mess?

There are certain coaches who are known for their ability to revitalize football programs. However, Penn State is in need of someone who can do more than just increase a team’s wins—they need someone to resurrect their image.  

Whoever becomes the next head coach has bigger issues than X’s and O’s. They will need to be able to help bridge the gap that has been created between Happy Valley and the rest of the nation.

Finances could be an issue, with several law suits looming. However, hiring an unproven coach could lead to the Nittany Lions dwelling in the land of irrelevancy for many years to come.

This is not a job for a young coordinator or a head coach with little experience.

Hiring a coach for name recognition can be a mistake in most situations. However, for this football program it is a necessity.

When Penn State's new coach walks through the door of a potential recruit, he must have credibility already established. He is going to need to convince parents that, under his watch, their children will be safe.  

It is going to take a period of time to pass before the Nittany Lions have just another game. For the foreseeable future, every game is going to be a story and a headline. There will come a time that Penn State will be just like every other team, but until then, the new coach must convince recruits that it is worth the hassle.

There might only be 10 coaches in the world that can make this transition happen with little resistance. Penn State would be fortunate if even a third of those coaches would even consider coaching for the Nittany Lions.

The one coach who could rescue Penn State from certain disaster is former Florida Gator coach Urban Meyer. Meyer led the Florida Gators to two national championships and Utah to an undefeated season. He has the reputation that would allow him to hire a competent staff for Penn State. He has the credibility to bring in quality recruits despite the current environment. He has the charisma to rally a divided fan base and the ability to win ball games instantly.

In his five seasons as the head coach of Florida, he posted a 65-15 record in the SEC. Overall, he boasts a 102-23 record. He is 7-1 in bowl games, including an astonishing 4-0 record in BCS bowl games.

Meyer released a statement in which he stated, “I am very happy with my role at ESPN. I have no plans to return to coaching at this time.”

That might be discouraging for some Penn State fans hoping to land Meyer. However, I have seen him retire and unretire within 24 hours—his mind can be changed.

I believe that, despite this situation, coach Paterno loves Penn State University. He could prove this love by reaching out to Myer about accepting the job.

Meyer respects the Penn State football program and gushed about Coach Paterno during his final bowl game against Penn State. He stated, "I got into coaching 25 years ago because of guys like Paterno."

Meyer has his flaws, and he is not the perfect coach. However, he is the perfect coach for this situation.