http://twitter.com/Todd_Wright/status/12577229435305984 http://twitter.com/Todd_Wright/status/12581748571377664 Edit: Looks like it's confirmed. http://twitter.com/GatorUpdates/status/12571549718548480 http://twitter.com/BrettmcmurphY/status/12582703064944640
Look for a string of transfer out of the UF program -- Urban had the #1 recruiting class in the nation last year. Ronald Powell, Shariff Floyd, and Matt Elam were all "can't miss" prospects, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Floyd and Powell bolt. Who becomes the new HC? Gus Malzahn (Auburn OC) seems like a strong candidate.
I think it has to do with his health issues. Doubt he takes another coaching job for a while, if ever. Look for Dan Mullen as the front runner for the job.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5899478 Urban Meyer is stepping down as football coach at Florida, the school's athletic director announced Wednesday. "I fully grasp 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," Meyer said. "I will profoundly miss coming to campus every day to coach this team, but I will always be a Gator at heart," he said. A news conference was scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Meyer will coach his last game for Florida in the Outback Bowl against Penn State on Jan. 1 in Tampa. The Gators, who won two national championships and two Southeastern Conference titles under Meyer, had a disappointing season in 2010, going 7-5 (4-4 SEC). A 31-7 drubbing at in-state rival Florida State on Nov. 27 gave Florida five regular-season losses for the first time since 1988. A year ago, Meyer announced he was retiring over health concerns, only to back away from that a day later and announce he was taking a leave of absence from coaching. He was back to his regular routine before spring practice. He cited health concerns last year when he briefly quit. He had been hospitalized with chest pains after the Gators lost to Alabama in last season's Southeastern Conference championship game. This time he did not mention his health being an issue. "The decision to step down was a difficult one," Meyer said. "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." A three-time national coach of the year, Meyer posted a 64-15 record in six seasons at Florida. He also coached at Utah and Bowling Green. "It's been an honor and privilege to have Urban Meyer be our football coach for six years," Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement. "He has given everything he has to this institution and we are grateful for the experiences."
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I think Urban sees the writing on the wall. Every year he has the best recruiting class, and every year his kids bolt for the NFL early. Guys like Brandon Spikes and Aaron Hernandez can't keep walking through that door, and staying for 4 years while producing multiple championships. He got his hardware with Tebow, and now it's time for him to walk away on top. He's not like Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden, who are completely defined by the sport. I can't say I agree with the decision, but I also can't say I fault him. I bet he comes back in a few years though....perhaps at LSU when Les Miles finally pisses off enough people in Baton Rouge.
Why would Stoops go to Florida? It's a side-grade at best (besides the weather), and he owns Oklahoma.
Is it the money? Stoops is getting 4.3mil a year; Meyer $4.0mil? Is it the tradition? OU:802 all time wins, 7 national titles, 5 heismans; FLA: 656 all time wins, 3 titles, 3 heismans? Stoops been in Norman for 10+ years with great success, and (sadly) recruiting from the state of Texas is on par if not better than Florida. I don't see him leaving unless he wants an NFL gig, and even that is debatable; everything else is side/downgrade. Please enlighten me if I'm not seeing something...
