Urban Meyer has resigned from his duties as football coach at Florida, the athletic department announced Wednesday.
Meyer had previously announced intentions last year to step down because of health concerns, but then came back the next day and said he was taking leave of absence before returning to the team full time.
This time, it was different.
“I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and, during that time, my primary focus has been helping my teams win titles,” Meyer said in a statement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and I am a fierce competitor to my core. At this time in my life, however, I appreciate 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. The decision to step down was a difficult one.”
A press conference is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Meyer is fresh off his worst season (7-5) during his six-year tenure with the Gators. In those six seasons, Meyer went 64-15 and led the Gators to two national championships and three Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championships.
Meyer also coached at Utah and Bowling Green before arriving in Gainesville, Fla in 2004.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to have Urban Meyer be our football coach for six years,” Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement. “He has given everything he has to this institution and we are grateful for the experiences.”
Meyer will coach his last game for Florida on Jan 1 in the Outback Bowl against Penn State.
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