Urban Meyer Taking Leave Of Absence, Not Stepping Down

Urban Meyer, 45, head coach of the University of Florida Gators, has apparently changed his mind. He had originally said he was stepping down as the head coach of the Gators, but instead, Urban Meyer will take a leave of absence. While he is gone, Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio will be the acting head coach.

Urban Meyer is expected to confirm the news at a press conference today. Urban Meyer's leave of absence will be indefinite. However, The New York Times spoke with Steve Addazio, who confirmed the news.

With the term indefinite assigned to Urban Meyer's leave of absence, it's possible he may never return and that Steve Addazio could end up being the default new permanent head coach. However, a person familiar with Meyer's decision told AP that Meyer coach woke up on Sunday morning, and realized he wasn't ready to quit.

The source added, however, that Urban Meyer might still walk away. "There's no guarantees here. He could still walk away. He's got some significant concerns about his health and his tank and his family. But instead of cutting the cord, he's going to take a step back and see how he feels."

Urban Meyer announced Saturday that he had decided to resign as the Florida head coach, mentioning health reasons. He had been hospitalized following the Gators' return home from a 32-13 loss to Alabama in the SEC title game, saying he had chest pains. He was treated for dehydration and released.

The Florida Gators next play in the Sugar Bowl. This had been expected to be both the final game for QB Tim Tebow and for Urban Meyer. Instead, with Urban Meyer taking a leave of absence, it will only be the last Gator game "for a while" for the coach, although with the caveat that he might still leave.

Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com

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