Former Gators coach Urban Meyer officially joins ESPN as a college football analyst
Monday, January 31, 2011 | Football, Men's Tennis, Scott Carter
ESPN made it official on Monday, hiring former Gators football coach Urban Meyer as a college football analyst.
Meyer, who worked the BCS National Championship Game as a guest analyst for ESPN, will make his debut on Wednesday during ESPNU's coverage of National Signing Day.
“We are just thrilled,'' said Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president of production. “We've got a very successful, very relevant head coach.''
As part of the agreement, Meyer will work a weekly regular-season game and select post-season bowl games according to ESPN's press release. Meyer will also contribute analysis throughout the year on ESPN's College Football Live program, NFL Draft coverage, spring games and bowl games.
Meyer, 46, will contribute to ESPN's College GameDay as well. Williamson said Meyer will not be prohibited from providing commentary or analysis on the Gators despite his close ties to the university, including an office at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
“I'm a Florida fan,'' Meyer said. “I'm not going to be ashamed of that.''
Meyer said he continues to work with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley on a specific role within UF's athletic department. He said the chance to join ESPN was one he developed more of an interest in after spending a day at ESPN's Bristol, Conn., studios in December.
“I wanted to stay around college football,'' Meyer said. “That's been my life as long as I can remember. It's a great way to stay around the game and enjoy myself and enjoy being a great ambassador for college football.''
Meyer officially stepped down as Florida's football coach following a 37-24 win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl. In six seasons at UF, Meyer finished 65-15 and led the Gators to two national championships (2006 and 2008).
