Instead he will take a leave of absence....
Adam Gorney
GatorBait.net Assistant Editor
Saturday evening Urban Meyer resigned as Florida's coach citing health issues and saying in a statement that he needed to focus on his faith and family.
Meyer is having second thoughts about stepping down. By early Sunday, Meyer had second thoughts and has decided to take a leave of absence and not step down, according to multiple reports and sources. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio is expected to take over until Meyer chooses to return.
According to sources, Meyer broke down emotionally multiple times when addressing Florida's players Saturday evening to tell them the news that he was resigning. He apparently discussed the situation again on the team plane before it headed to New Orleans for Florida's matchup against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
By pulling a move similar to Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan when he decided to renege on the Orlando Magic and return to the Gators, Meyer puts himself in some difficult situations.
How will he change his daily work habits so he doesn't further risk his health? How does he square his comments to The New York Times Saturday that he saw it "as a sign from God that this was the right thing to do"?
The questions and head-scratching will continue as Meyer tries to explain his change of heart. It could also be a recruiting nightmare if players see Meyer as wishy-washy or it could be a boom where more prospects want to play for a guy who couldn't leave a particular program. Does this show Meyer as dedicated or flighty?
The coaching transition could also be awkward. What will Meyer's role be during his leave of absence? How involved will he be? What will his role be when he's taking time off and Addazio is in charge? Will Addazio be the offensive line coach, offensive coordinator and interim coach?
Whether any of this has been determined is not known but by all indications it looks like Meyer will take some time off but a vast and extensive coaching search will not be necessary.
Less than one day after saying his health was at risk if he continued to coach Florida the way he's always coached Florida, Meyer has decided a leave of absence will do and then he can return to coach the Gators.
Who said this would be a dull week in New Orleans?
Adam Gorney
GatorBait.net Assistant Editor
Saturday evening Urban Meyer resigned as Florida's coach citing health issues and saying in a statement that he needed to focus on his faith and family.
Meyer is having second thoughts about stepping down. By early Sunday, Meyer had second thoughts and has decided to take a leave of absence and not step down, according to multiple reports and sources. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio is expected to take over until Meyer chooses to return.
According to sources, Meyer broke down emotionally multiple times when addressing Florida's players Saturday evening to tell them the news that he was resigning. He apparently discussed the situation again on the team plane before it headed to New Orleans for Florida's matchup against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
By pulling a move similar to Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan when he decided to renege on the Orlando Magic and return to the Gators, Meyer puts himself in some difficult situations.
How will he change his daily work habits so he doesn't further risk his health? How does he square his comments to The New York Times Saturday that he saw it "as a sign from God that this was the right thing to do"?
The questions and head-scratching will continue as Meyer tries to explain his change of heart. It could also be a recruiting nightmare if players see Meyer as wishy-washy or it could be a boom where more prospects want to play for a guy who couldn't leave a particular program. Does this show Meyer as dedicated or flighty?
The coaching transition could also be awkward. What will Meyer's role be during his leave of absence? How involved will he be? What will his role be when he's taking time off and Addazio is in charge? Will Addazio be the offensive line coach, offensive coordinator and interim coach?
Whether any of this has been determined is not known but by all indications it looks like Meyer will take some time off but a vast and extensive coaching search will not be necessary.
Less than one day after saying his health was at risk if he continued to coach Florida the way he's always coached Florida, Meyer has decided a leave of absence will do and then he can return to coach the Gators.
Who said this would be a dull week in New Orleans?
