Urban Meyer - Coaching Career

Coaching Career

In 2004, Meyer was recognized as the college football "coach of the year" at the University of Utah by both sportswriters (Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year) and television commentators (Home Depot Coach of the Year Award). He has twenty years of college coaching experience, including nine as a head coach. His overall record as a head coach through the end of the 2009 season is 96–18, and he is 49–14 in conference play. His winning percentage (.842) through the end of 2009 season ranks first nationally among active college football head coaches.

Meyer is a devout Roman Catholic and on several occasions has referred to the head coaching position at the University of Notre Dame as his "dream job," leading to speculation that he would someday wish to coach there. However, according to a July 2009 newspaper report, Meyer insisted he would never leave Florida for Notre Dame. And when the employment status of Irish coach Charlie Weis came into question in November 2009, Meyer held a press conference to dispel rumors linking him to the possible opening, stating that he would remain at Florida for "as long as they'll have me." The University of Cincinnati's Brian Kelly was eventually hired for the job.

On December 26, 2009, Meyer announced he would resign following the team's bowl game against Cincinnati, citing health concerns. However, the following day Meyer announced that he would instead take an indefinite leave of absence, and he resumed his coaching duties in time for the beginning of the Gators' spring practice on March 17, 2010.

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley announced Meyer's resignation as the Gators head football coach on December 8, 2010, but stated that Meyer would remain as the head coach through the Gators' appearance in the Outback Bowl on January 1, 2011.

On November 28, 2011 Meyer accepted the head coach position at the Ohio State University.