Meyer shocked the college football world on Saturday announcing that he is quitting as the head football coach at Florida. (Photo courtesy Unv. Florida Athletic Dept.)

Combined Reports
(Dec. 26, 2009)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Urban Meyer has announced that he is stepping down as head football coach at the Univeristy of Florida because of health concerns.

Meyer quits after five seasons in Gainesville and two SEC and national championships. He goes into the bowl game with a 56-10 record at Florida that includes a 32-8 mark in league play and a school-record 22-game winning streak ended early this month against Alabama.

"I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program," Meyer said in a statement. "I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to reevaluate my priorities of faith and family.

"After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family."

Meyer, 45, says he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family. Twice since the SEC Championship Game has he been admitted to the hospital with chest pains.

Meyer will hold a news conference in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon and will coach his final game in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on New Year’s Day.

"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision," Foley said in a statement. "But, the bottom line is that Coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship."

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban praised Meyer and said he hopes that his health improves and that he might return to the coaching ranks.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Urban and his family at this time,” Saban said through a released statement on Saturday. “He is a first class coach and the success he’s had is unmatched in our profession, especially over the last five years at Florida.

“We hope he is able to regain his health and have the opportunity to coach again in the future. Urban Meyer is a great person as well as a great coach, and the game of college football is better with him as a part of it.”

Potential successors to Meyer could include Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops, Boise State’s Chris Petersen, Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino, who was the other top candidate in 2004 when Meyer got the job, former Florida Gator and Super Bowl-winning NFL coach Mike Shanahan and former Meyer assistants Dan Mullen and Charlie Strong. Former Florida offensive coordinator Mullen just finished his first season as head coach at Mississippi State. Defensive coordinator Strong was named the head coach at Louisville earlier this month.