Meyer's return to coaching stirs emotions of fans
Monday, November 28, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
The biggest story in college football today concerns the future of former Gators coach Urban Meyer.
Ohio State has a press conference scheduled today at 5:15 p.m. and is expected to formally announce that Meyer, a few days short of the one-year anniversary of his announcement that he was resigning from Florida, will take over the Buckeyes.
Speculation about Meyer's future has been rampant in social media for the past several days and today's news has turned up the volume even louder.
Based on numerous Tweets and comments from Florida fans that I have read today, Meyer's expected return to coaching has stirred emotions.
I've read many people say that they wish Meyer the best and that they are thankful for the two national championships he led the Gators to in his six seasons at UF.
I've read many others that say they are disappointed in Meyer's decision to return to coaching so soon after leaving Florida and that he abandoned the program.
Meanwhile, multiple players have sent well-wishes out to Meyer on Twitter, including linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Andre Debose, quarterback Jeff Driskel and cornerback Cody Riggs.
Jenkins and Debose also reiterated that the Gators are in good hands with Will Muschamp leading the team and that better days are ahead.
Personally, I remember the day I heard the news that Steve Spurrier was leaving Florida. I was shocked and disappointed as an alum and college football fan, fully aware of his impact on the program and his iconic status in the game.
Naturally, I wondered if anyone could ever duplicate the success Spurrier had during his 12 seasons as Florida's head coach.
Meyer eventually came along and answered that question.
The news that he plans to return to coaching doesn't surprise me. He's a football coach and a darn good one based on his success at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida.
As difficult as it will be for Muschamp or any other coach to duplicate Meyer's success in such a short span, history has proven that the Florida program has the kind of resources and talent pool to win at the highest level on a consistent basis.
So, I won't be surprised one day if we're talking about Muschamp winning a national title or two during his tenure.
As for Meyer, I'm on the side of those who appreciate his contributions to Florida and the memorable moments he helped create. His legacy at UF is secure regardless of what he does at Ohio State or any other school.
What about you? Are you appreciative of Meyer's time at Florida and fine with him taking another job? Are you upset and feel he should have never left if he planned to return to coaching so soon? Do you think the timing of the Ohio State opening forced his hand to return so soon? Are you indifferent to Meyer's situation now that he is no longer at Florida?
I'll post this blog on my GatorZone.com Facebook page and see what you have to say.
We are expected to find out what Meyer has to say this afternoon during the press conference.
