Urban Meyer Resigns!

It’s not a major illness like cancer or a progressive disease.

That’s the first thing a lot of us thought when we heard that Urban Meyer had stepped down at Florida. After talking to a few people Saturday night, we’ll have to take the man at his word. “I have ignored my health for years,” Meyer said.

First indications are the best active coach around worked himself to exhaustion. That’s the impression I got after talking to a couple of people Saturday night. A lot of coaches talk about how the job takes away from their family and forces them into a bad diet. During the season 12-, 14-hour days are the norm.

Meyer once told me a couple of years ago that he might only coach 10 more years. His body must have been talking back to him even then. You’ll remember that Meyer was treated for dehydration after the SEC championship game. That was an odd affliction for a coach who wasn’t outwardly sick and had hydration available all around him.

Just speculation but perhaps it was something more than simple dehydration. Meyer once again had given his heart and soul. This time his body couldn’t take any more. If Meyer is able to get away and rest, perhaps he will be back at some point. For now, he is the modern example of the pressures of big-time football.

Thanks to CBSSportsline.com for the info and ajc.com for the photo.