The University of Florida has announced that head coach Urban Meyer will retire after the Outback Bowl on January 1, 2011, citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with family.
“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.
Forgive us if we take this news with a little skepticism, as the entire story has a very familiar feel to it – almost a year ago to the day, Meyer made a similar announcement, “retiring” after the 2009 season citing health problems. A mere 24 hours later, Meyer retracted the statement and went on to coach the 2010 Florida season. However, since there have not, as of yet, been any reports to the contrary, we wish Meyer all the best.
There has been speculation throughout the media about whether or not this is Joe Paterno’s last game as a football coach; few people thought it would be Urban Meyer’s.