URBAN MEYER TO ANNOUNCE UF
RESIGNATION TODAY
Two-Time National Championship Coach says Pressure is Too Much
April 1, 2010
University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer, citing an outburst at a sports journalist this Spring as a sign he's not over stress issues, is set to announce later today he's stepping down from his position with the school.
But that's not the most surprising part.
"Urban feels like the stresses he battled at the end of last season haven't been exorcised by his brief leave of absence", said a source close to the program. "He's upset that he lost it with Jeremy Fowler and now he's afraid he's going to do the same thing with one of his kids (on the team). And still, be believes his family comes first" said the insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
An ambulance was called to Meyer's Gainesville home last December when the coach's wife feared he was suffering from heart problems. It turned out to be a false alarm, but made Meyer aware of the constant stress he's under in his job. After announcing his retirement in January, he rescinded the statement, saying he would only take an "indefinite leave of absence". That absence turned out to be just 6 weeks, leaving many wondering if the football guru was ready to return to the rigors of the job.
"I knew he wasn't ready on day one" said a high-placed athletic program employee. "I could see in his eyes that he didn't really get any rest and it was only a matter of time (before he snapped)".
Biggest Surpise: Meyer's Replacement To Be
Announced at Press Conference
While Meyer's departure after the recent roller-coaster ride is stunning, it's not the most shocking news hitting fans of the program later today at the press conference scheduled for 9:00 EDT in the school's athletic complex.
The biggest shock will be Meyer's replacement.
Bobby Bowden, fresh from his dismissal as head coach of FSU last season, is ready to step in and take the reins for the Gators.
"Bobby's got a lot of life in him, and is more than a little ticked off about the way he was treated by his previous employer" said a long-time family friend. "He knows football, and people have an instant respect for him. Plus, he's really just holding the spot, hoping that Urban will be ready to return in the 2011 season".
Sources inside the University confirmed the last part of that statement, claiming that the long-term desire was for Coach Meyer to get the rest and relaxation he would need while his role is filled with a world-class coach who could step into the program short-term then step back out upon Meyer's hoped-for return.
"Bobby is delighted to be asked and excited about coaching again" said a former member of the Seminole coach's staff. "He's never thought of Florida in any way other than fondly, and he hopes he can be of some service".
How will Gator fans handle their beloved team being coached by someone who formerly led their rival? Only time will tell...but we at AFN suspect that while Meyer's stress-level drops, UF fans' will rise.
T. Rik Starr, Staff Writer
RESIGNATION TODAY
Two-Time National Championship Coach says Pressure is Too Much
April 1, 2010
University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer, citing an outburst at a sports journalist this Spring as a sign he's not over stress issues, is set to announce later today he's stepping down from his position with the school.
But that's not the most surprising part.
"Urban feels like the stresses he battled at the end of last season haven't been exorcised by his brief leave of absence", said a source close to the program. "He's upset that he lost it with Jeremy Fowler and now he's afraid he's going to do the same thing with one of his kids (on the team). And still, be believes his family comes first" said the insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
An ambulance was called to Meyer's Gainesville home last December when the coach's wife feared he was suffering from heart problems. It turned out to be a false alarm, but made Meyer aware of the constant stress he's under in his job. After announcing his retirement in January, he rescinded the statement, saying he would only take an "indefinite leave of absence". That absence turned out to be just 6 weeks, leaving many wondering if the football guru was ready to return to the rigors of the job.
"I knew he wasn't ready on day one" said a high-placed athletic program employee. "I could see in his eyes that he didn't really get any rest and it was only a matter of time (before he snapped)".
Biggest Surpise: Meyer's Replacement To Be
Announced at Press Conference
While Meyer's departure after the recent roller-coaster ride is stunning, it's not the most shocking news hitting fans of the program later today at the press conference scheduled for 9:00 EDT in the school's athletic complex.
The biggest shock will be Meyer's replacement.
Bobby Bowden, fresh from his dismissal as head coach of FSU last season, is ready to step in and take the reins for the Gators.
"Bobby's got a lot of life in him, and is more than a little ticked off about the way he was treated by his previous employer" said a long-time family friend. "He knows football, and people have an instant respect for him. Plus, he's really just holding the spot, hoping that Urban will be ready to return in the 2011 season".
Sources inside the University confirmed the last part of that statement, claiming that the long-term desire was for Coach Meyer to get the rest and relaxation he would need while his role is filled with a world-class coach who could step into the program short-term then step back out upon Meyer's hoped-for return.
"Bobby is delighted to be asked and excited about coaching again" said a former member of the Seminole coach's staff. "He's never thought of Florida in any way other than fondly, and he hopes he can be of some service".
How will Gator fans handle their beloved team being coached by someone who formerly led their rival? Only time will tell...but we at AFN suspect that while Meyer's stress-level drops, UF fans' will rise.
T. Rik Starr, Staff Writer
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