What to make of the Urban Meyer situation at the University of Florida?
For now, nobody knows – and that includes Coach Meyer and UF Athletics Director Jeremy Foley. This is uncharted territory. There’s obviously precedent for a “coach in waiting” in this state, but this is a coach in abeyance. There’s no model to reference.
But this much is known. Interim Coach Steve Addazio, while apparently well liked, didn’t exactly distinguish himself in his first year as the Gators’ offensive coordinator. He’s not the answer – except to a future trivia question.
Also known: Meyer’s M.O. is the antithesis of what you would want in any positive health scenario. He’s intense; he’s driven; he’s never off the job. He’s hobby-challenged. He rarely relaxes. But it’s the key reason why he’s so good at what he does and why he’s won two national championships in four years. And that job — as the highly-compensated point man for Gator Nation — is inherently fraught with pressure of the highest magnitude.
More that is known: the sheer uncertainty of the UF situation is being used against the Gators by those who vie for the same blue-chip recruits. It behooves Florida right now to at least buy time. A Meyer leave of absence — as opposed to a resignation — can provide that.
Something else that is known: Meyer’s been experiencing worrisome, stress-related chest pains and migraines. Including very, very recently. It has everything to do with who he is and what he does. If he doesn’t change, he will pay a steep price in quality of life – and maybe longevity of life.
Right now Meyer, 45, is financially secure. His head coaching record is already legacy stuff. He has a “best friend-soul mate” wife and kids in school. His mantra on priorities begins with “faith and family.”
And Tim Tebow is now gone.
If I’m AD Foley, I’m keeping my Blackberry – with the short list of would-be Meyer successors – on me at all times. Especially the number of Chris Petersen at Boise State. The time is near.