Urban Meyer Press Conference

We will update with information from the 4:30 PM EST Press Conference that Urban Meyer is having.  Some of the key questions are what exactly is the health issue bringing this decision on?  What time frame will Meyer be sidelined?  Hopefully this and other questions are answered with the press conference.

Prior to the press conference they bring on Pat Dooley from the Gainesville Sun who compared this to the Billy Donovan situation. The change of decision according to Dooley changed when Meyer came back on the field after seeing all the players again.  In his opinion the chances of Addazio or some other coach taking the field on the 2010 opener is quite likely.

Urban Meyer clarified that he will coach against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.  After talking with staff, family and players he has made the decision to just do a leave of absence and take advantage of this option.  Steve Addazio will in fact be the interim head coach for Florida during this time.  His decision to do a leave of absence rather than just leaving was because his love for the players as well as the practice they had last night was one of the determining factors.

Urban will be calling all the shots in the Sugar Bowl.  It will be his show, not Steve’s. Jeremy Foley came on and said it’s only fair that Meyer has a shot to come back when he’s healthy as it’s the right thing to do.  But overall the repeated talking with the players and interacting with them in practice yesterday sealed the deal for him to return eventually as head coach at Florida.

The question we were all waiting for was finally asked regarding his health concerns.  Urban states that it has to due with the chest pains he had started having 4 years ago and gets worse with stress.  After his hospital trip after the Alabama for this issue, Doctors told him that he needed to fix this or it could lead to worse things.

Urban was asked about talking with Billy Donovan as this similar circumstance happened with him to see if he had talked with Billy.  Urban hadn’t talked to Billy about this but can understand why the decision to not go was made.

Urban’s role wasn’t cleared up in the press conference but Meyer stated he wouldn’t just lay around so the exact responsibilities weren’t laid out.  The hiring of the new defensive coordinator is still up in the air on who will handle this.

Our man Tim Tebow was asked how it was for him and he responded with the typical answer that it was rough and a “whirlwind” for him.  He mentioned that he knew something wasn’t right and respects the decision that the coach makes.  Ryan Stamper was behind Tim Tebow basically repeating what Tim Tebow said.

Urban was asked if he would coach 2010 and he responded with that in his gut feeling he feels he will be back as coach but there is no exact time table laid out.  Their focus is on the bowl game now and they will clarify the roles of everyone as time goes on.

Who Will Replace Urban Meyer as Florida’s Next Coach?

With the recent and shocking news of Urban Meyer stepping down as the Florida Gators Head Coach, one can only wonder who will be his replacement? At least there is some good news as ESPN is stating it’s not a life threatening health issue that has sidelined Coach Meyer, but just the same heart and chest pains that he’s been hospitalized for in the past.

But the question plagues on… who will replace Meyer who has earned a place in University of Florida history?  Had Meyer announced this a few weeks ago, Charlie Strong would have probably been the easy pick.

Dan Mullen – This is the first person that comes to mind when you talk about who could come in as head coach.  Yes, he did just sign with Miss St as head coach there but would you not make the move?  I’m sure he would love to get back to a team that has the potential of being a championship contender and would take the first flight out if offered.

Mike Shanahan – What?  Don’t think Foley wouldn’t want him at Florida? He tried very hard to convince him to leave the Denver Broncos when he was there to coach at Florida after Spurrier left and now that Shanahan is no longer employed, don’t put it past Foley to go back to him.  The only downfall with Shanahan is he has already made an agreement with the Redskins.  But I mean Foley asked him to leave Denver, why not ask him to leave Washington?

Chris Petersen – Boise St Head Coach Chris Petersen always finds himself in rumor talks for big coaching jobs.  How far can Boise St take you Chris?  Florida is nice and cozy and you get the national exposure and strength of schedule needed to get in the big game.

Mike Mularkey – That’s right!  The Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator.  He would do incredible with the Florida style of offense and wouldn’t have to face the NFL style defenses that he currently does enabling him to be much more successful.  Why would he come to Florida?  Well it’s his Alma Mater!

Kirk Ferentz – Kirk is one of the highest paid coaches and did well in Iowa and is in no way or shape someone that would jump ship but it would take some serious consideration from him if offered.

Bob Stoops – Of course he’s going to be discussed and the rumors will run about Stoops coming back to Florida.

Pete Carroll – Pete’s time at USC may be coming to a close and would be one hell of a pick up for Florida if we could pull it off.  He has the recruiting channels for California to bring in some star players.

Those are our top picks of who will be offered to take Urban Meyer’s place as Florida’s Head Coach or who we would like to see come in.  We’ll keep you updated with the news and updates as the job recruiting continues for our beloved Gator Nation.