Urban Meyer has stepped down as Florida Gators head football coach.
In a statement issued by the University of Florida on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, Meyer cited his family as one of the main reasons for his resignation.
“I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and, during that time, my primary focus has been making a difference in the lives of the young men I have been so fortunate to have coached and building championship programs,” Meyer said in the statement. “At this time in my life, however, 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, 46, resigned just before the Sugar Bowl last December for health reasons, returning a day later.
Although there has been much speculation that Meyer may be looking at following former Gator quarterback Tim Tebow to Denver, sources say he is retiring from coaching.
“The decision to step down was a difficult one,” Meyer said in the statement on Wednesday. “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.”
Meyer is coming off the worst season of his career after leading the Gators to two national championships since joining the team in 2005. He will coach his final game for Florida in the Ouback Bowl against Penn State on January 1st.
A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday evening. We will add video as it becomes available.
Click here to watch Urban Meyer press conference video
photo: Aruna/WENN.com