Urban Meyer

Meyer was born on July 10, 1964, in Toledo, Ohio,{{cite news| url= http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-11-27/ohio-state-decision-on-urban-meyer-hiring-remains-hot-issue | title= Ohio State decision on Urban Meyer hiring remains hot issue| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20111129183253/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-11-27/ohio-state-decision-on-urban-meyer-hiring-remains-hot-issue |archivedate=November 29, 2011 | work= The Sporting News| date= November 27, 2011| accessdate= December 5, 2011}}{{cite news| first=Matt | last= Markey| url= https://www.toledoblade.com/Ohio-State/2011/11/29/Meyer-returns-to-roots.html | title= Coach Meyer returns to roots: Ohio native is 24th coach of Buckeyes| work= The Toledo Blade| date= November 29, 2011| accessdate= December 16, 2021}} and was raised in Ashtabula, Ohio.{{cite news| first= Tom | last= Archdeacon| url= http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/throughthearch/entries/2011/11/28/urban_meyer_a_buckeye_through.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111212124728/http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/throughthearch/entries/2011/11/28/urban_meyer_a_buckeye_through.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2011-12-12 | title= Urban Meyer — A Buckeye through and through| work= Dayton Daily News| date= November 28, 2011| accessdate= December 5, 2011}}{{cite news| url= https://www.thelantern.com/2011/11/ohio-state-bucks-tradition-with-urban-meyer-hire/ | title= Ohio State bucks tradition with Urban Meyer hire| work= The Lantern| date= November 30, 2011| accessdate= December 5, 2011}} He graduated from Ashtabula's Saint John High School in 1982. {{cite news| first= Mark | last= Podolski| url= https://www.news-herald.com/2011/11/29/hometown-of-urban-meyer-celebrates-video/ | title=Hometown of Urban Meyer celebrates| work= The News-Herald| date= November 29, 2011| accessdate= December 16, 2021}}

Meyer was selected in the 13th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves as a shortstop, where he spent two seasons playing minor league baseball in the Braves organization.{{cite news|last1= Bowman| first1=Mark|title=Baseball was Meyer's first love|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/osu-s-urban-meyer-was-a-braves-minor-leaguer-c212573114|access-date=December 16, 2021|work=MLB.com| publisher= Major League Baseball| date= December 30, 2016}} He concurrently played defensive back at the University of Cincinnati before earning his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1986.{{cite news|title= Urban Meyer: A career timeline from Ashtabula to the Ohio State Buckeyes|url= https://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/2011/11/urban_meyer_the_ohio_state_buc.html|access-date=December 16, 2021|work= The Plain Dealer |date=November 23, 2011 | via= cleveland.com}} During his undergraduate studies, Meyer was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity (Zeta Psi Chapter). {{cite news|last1= Hines | first1= Raymond III| url= http://florida.scout.com/2/583172.html | title= Denise Meyer Chat Transcript| website= florida.scout.com | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070218160804/http://florida.scout.com/2/583172.html |archivedate=February 18, 2007 | publisher= Gator Country| date= October 25, 2006| accessdate= September 1, 2009}}

Meyer earned his master's degree in sports administration in 1988 from Ohio State University.

In 2004, Meyer was recognized as the college football coach of the year by both sportswriters (Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year) and television commentators (Home Depot Coach of the Year Award).Gatorzone.com, Football, [http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2008&staff=meyer Urban Meyer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523100535/http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2008&staff=meyer |date=May 23, 2009 }}. Retrieved September 1, 2009. He then had twenty years of college coaching experience, including nine as a head coach. His overall record as a head coach through the end of the 2009 season was 96–18, and he was 49–14 in conference play.College Football Data Warehouse, All-Time Coaching Records, [http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1608 Urban Meyer Records by Year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215082855/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1608 |date=February 15, 2010 }}. Retrieved September 2, 2009. His winning percentage (.842) through the end of the 2009 season ranked first nationally among active college football head coaches.Associated Press, "[https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-fbc-t25-bcs-championship-coaches-010809-2009jan08-story.html Meyer, Stoops taking the fast track to greatness]," San Diego Union-Tribune (January 8, 2009). Retrieved December 16, 2021. By winning the 2009 BCS Championship game on January 8, 2009, Meyer moved past Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops into second place on the list of active Division I coaches ranked by winning percentage.

Meyer is Catholic,Mark Schlabach, "[https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=4773206 Determined Meyer elevated Gators]", ESPN.com (December 26, 2009). Retrieved December 16, 2021.Peter Kerasotis, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20081202092614/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20081120/COLUMNISTS0306/811200343/1065/SPORTS Notre Dame, Meyer seem like perfect fit]", Florida Today (November 20, 2008). Retrieved September 1, 2009. and on several occasions has referred to the head coaching position at the University of Notre Dame as his "dream job", leading to speculation that he would someday wish to coach there. However, according to a July 2009 newspaper report, Meyer insisted he would never leave Florida for Notre Dame.Pat Dooley, "[http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090713/ARTICLES/907139947/1136/SPORTS?Title=Urban-Meyer-I-m-not-going-to-Notre-Dame-Ever- Urban Meyer: 'I'm not going to Notre Dame. Ever.']" Gainesville Sun (July 13, 2009). Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615003156/http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090713/ARTICLES/907139947/1136/SPORTS?Title=Urban-Meyer-I-m-not-going-to-Notre-Dame-Ever- |date=June 15, 2011 }} And when the employment status of Irish coach Charlie Weis came into question in November 2009, Meyer held a press conference to dispel rumors linking him to the possible opening, stating that he would remain at Florida for "as long as they'll have me".[https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-t25-florida-meyer&prov=ap&type=lgns Florida's Meyer: Notre Dame not a coaching option]{{dead link|date=November 2016}} The University of Cincinnati's Brian Kelly was eventually hired for the job.

On December 26, 2009, Meyer announced he would resign following the team's bowl game against Cincinnati, citing health concerns.Gatorzone.com, "[http://gatorzone.com/story.php?id=17169 UF's Urban Meyer Steps Down as Head Football Coach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102014417/http://gatorzone.com/story.php?id=17169 |date=January 2, 2010 }}", (December 27, 2009). Retrieved March 19, 2010. However, the following day Meyer announced that he would instead take an indefinite leave of absence,Andy Staples, "[https://www.si.com/college/2009/12/27/meyer-indefiniteleave Change of mind: Meyer won't quit, will take indefinite leave instead]", Sports Illustrated (December 27, 2009). Retrieved December 16, 2021. and he resumed his coaching duties in time for the beginning of the Gators' spring practice on March 17, 2010.Kyle Maestri, "[https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/2012/04/07/first-spring-practice-urban-meyer/7762379007/ First spring practice, Urban Meyer feeling 'fine,' ready to work on improving team]", Palm Beach Post (March 17, 2010). Retrieved December 16, 2021.

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley announced Meyer's resignation on December 8, 2010, but stated that Meyer would remain as the head coach through the Gators' appearance in the Outback Bowl on January 1, 2011.

On November 28, 2011, Meyer accepted the head coach position at Ohio State University.

After playing as a defensive back and placeholder for the University of Cincinnati, Meyer spent one season interning as a defensive back coach at Saint Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1985 under the mentorship of legendary St. Xavier head coach Steve Rasso, where he met members of the Ohio State coaching staff.Martin, Urban's Way, p. 66. His first collegiate coaching position was a two-year stint as a graduate assistant coaching tight ends at Ohio State under head coach Earle Bruce. He spent the next thirteen years as an assistant—two at Illinois State, six at Colorado State, and five at Notre Dame.

One of the talents he coached at Colorado State was WR Greg Primus (3,096 yards and 17 TD in 3 years). He put up over 1,000 yards receiving from 1990 to 1992 under Meyer's tutelage. At Notre Dame, he coached WR Bobby Brown who would finish his career with 1,521 yards and 12 TD receiving.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/bobby-brown-2.html|title=Bobby Brown|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}} At Notre Dame in 2000, he coached WR David Givens who would later be drafted by the New England Patriots.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2000.html|title=2000 Notre Dame Fighting Irish|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}

In 1990, while still the linebacker coach at Illinois State, he called Toledo head coach Nick Saban's home and spoke to Saban's wife to inquire if a position was available. Saban, however, never returned the call. Saban later said "I was so kind of caught up and busy with what I was doing, I never really followed up on that. Obviously, that was a huge mistake on my part because the guy's a fantastic coach."{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2014/12/30/urban-meyer-nick-saban-sugar-bowl-coaches-alabama-ohio-state-college-football-playoff/21061581/|title=Nick Saban and Urban Meyer made the best of a 25-year-old oversight|date=December 30, 2014|work=USA TODAY}}

In 2001, Meyer took his first head coaching job at Bowling Green. In his first season there, he engineered one of the greatest turnarounds in the NCAA football history, going 8–3 and capping off the season with a 56–21 victory over Bowling Green's rival, the University of Toledo Rockets.College Football Data Warehouse, [http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/b/bowling_green/yearly_results.php?year=2000 Bowling Green Yearly Results: 2000–2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055708/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/b/bowling_green/yearly_results.php?year=2000 |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Retrieved September 2, 2009. He also earned Mid-American Conference coach of the year honors. The next year, Bowling Green finished with a 9–3 record. After a 17–6 overall record, Meyer left for the University of Utah.Liz Abel, "[http://www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=031706-8 Utah hires Urban Meyer as its new head coach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903040204/http://www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=031706-8 |date=September 3, 2006 }}," press release, University of Utah News Center (December 12, 2002). Retrieved September 1, 2009.

He helped turn around a team that had gone 2–9 in 2000 in large part due to QB Josh Harris, a player tailor-made for Meyer's scheme. In a part-time play in 2001, Harris passed for 1,022 yards with 9 touchdowns and ran for 600 yards and 8 touchdowns. The next year, he passed for 2,425 yards with 19 TD and ran for 737 yards with 20 TD. Meyer would later use such quarterbacks as Alex Smith and Tim Tebow in a fashion similar to the way Meyer used Harris.

After two seasons at Bowling Green, he took the job at Utah in 2003.Utah Football, [http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/meyer_urban00.html Player Bio: Urban Meyer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101121013/http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/meyer_urban00.html |date=January 1, 2009 }}. Retrieved September 1, 2009. In his first year there, Meyer was named the Mountain West Conference's Coach of the Year with a 10–2 record, the best ever for a coach's first season at Utah. He also earned honors as The Sporting News National Coach of the Year, the first Utes coach to do so.Matt Hayes, "[https://archive.today/20120711065304/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_50_227/ai_111350365/ Coach of the year: Urban Meyer, Utah]," Sporting News (December 15, 2003). Retrieved September 2, 2009. They also won the program's first outright conference championship since the 1957 team won the Skyline Conference title.

Meyer's success can be attributed to his unique offensive system, which is an offshoot of Bill Walsh's West Coast Offense, relying on short pass routes.Kelley King, "[https://vault.si.com/vault/2004/11/01/wild-out-west Wild out West]," Sports Illustrated (November 1, 2004). Retrieved December 16, 2021. Meyer's base offense spreads three receivers and puts the quarterback in shotgun formation.Chris Brown, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20081204233600/http://smartfootball.blogspot.com/2008/12/florida-gatorurban-meyer-offense.html The Florida Gator/Urban Meyer Offense]," SmartFootball.com (December 2, 2008). Retrieved September 1, 2009. Then, he introduces motion in the backfield and turns it into an option attack, adding elements of the traditional run-oriented option offense.

In 2004, Meyer led the undefeated Utes to a Bowl Championship Series bid, something that had not been done by a team from a non-automatically qualifying BCS conference since the formation of the BCS in 1998.Associated Press, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20181018122626/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=250010221 Efficient Smith leads dominant win]," ESPN.com (January 1, 2005). Retrieved December 16, 2021. He remained at Utah long enough to coach the team to a Fiesta Bowl win over Pittsburgh, capping off the Utes' first perfect season (12–0) since 1930.College Football Data Warehouse, [http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/u/utah/yearly_totals.php Utah Yearly Totals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905153410/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/u/utah/yearly_totals.php |date=September 5, 2015 }}. Retrieved September 13, 2009.

In 2003, Utes quarterback Alex Smith threw for 2,247 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 452 yards with five touchdowns. In 2004, he threw for 2,952 yards with 32 touchdowns and ran for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns. His production in Meyer's offensive scheme was a large reason why Smith was considered a first-round pick entering the 2005 NFL draft.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}

In the wake of his accomplishments at Utah, both the University of Florida and the University of Notre Dame vied for his services.Ivan Maisel, "[https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=1938204 Notre Dame football exists only in history books]," ESPN.com (December 6, 2004). Retrieved December 16, 2021. Meyer chose to become Florida's head coach for the 2005 season, signing a seven-year contract worth $14 million. He later signed a six-year contract extension with the Gators on June 7, 2007; the extended contract paid an average of $3.25 million per year."[https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/college/college-football-bonuses-become-bonanza-for-urban-meyer-bob-stoops/ Bonuses become bonanza for Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops]," Seattle Times (December 25, 2008). Retrieved December 16, 2021. On August 3, 2009, Meyer received another contract extension that made him the SEC's highest-paid coach during the 2009 season; his 2009 extension was worth $24 million over six years.Chris Low, "[https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/2106/new-deal-in-hand-meyer-is-staying-put-at-florida New deal in hand, Meyer is staying put at Florida]," ESPN.com (August 3, 2009). Retrieved December 16, 2021. At the time of the latest contract extension, Meyer was the third highest-paid college football coach, behind only Pete Carroll and Charlie Weis.Andy Staples, "[https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/08/03/meyer-contract Meyer deal proves recession hasn't hurt big-time college programs]," Sports Illustrated (August 3, 2009). Retrieved December 16, 2021.

Meyer has been criticized by some commentators because 31 of his players were arrested during his six years as the Gators' coach.Rachel George, "[https://archive.today/20130203044117/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/os-florida-gators-chris-rainey-arrest20100915,0,4763476.story Chris Rainey 30th player to be arrested or face charges during Urban Meyer's tenure]," The Sun-Sentinel (September 15, 2010). Retrieved September 15, 2010.Greg Bishop, "[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/sports/ncaafootball/hernandez-among-many-arrested-at-florida-in-the-meyer-years.html Hernandez Among Many Who Found Trouble at Florida in the Meyer Years]," The New York Times (July 6, 2013). Retrieved July 7, 2013. The seriousness of the charges varied widely, from minor offenses such as possession of alcohol by a minor to the charges of possession of a concealed weapon, "aggravated stalking, domestic violence by strangulation, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and fraudulent use of credit cards". Many of the charges were ultimately dismissed.

In September 2010, after Gator receiver Chris Rainey was arrested for sending a threatening text message to a former girlfriend, Meyer stated that he was "real upset about that. After a while, enough's enough. If there's something that we can improve on, we're certainly looking into that. It's like if our graduation rate stinks then we gotta improve that. If there are other issues in a program, that's our job to get it better. It's people making stupid mistakes, that's something we gotta correct."{{cite web| url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-xpm-2010-09-18-os-mike-thomas-floirda-gators-091910-20100918-story.html |title=Florida Gator arrests? Urban Meyer is just the guy to take care of this |publisher=Orlando Sentinel |date=September 17, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2021}}

{{see also|2005 Florida Gators football team}}

In 2005, his first season at Florida, Meyer's Gators team finished the season 9–3 (5–3 in the Southeastern Conference).{{Cite web |title=2005 Florida Gators Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida/2005-schedule.html |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The season included an undefeated record at home and a bowl victory against Iowa in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida. The Gators would have faced LSU in the {{year event|2005|SEC Championship Game}},Associated Press, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20171027181041/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=253162579 South Carolina derails Gators' SEC East hopes]," ESPN.com (November 12, 2005). Retrieved December 16, 2021. but they lost to South Carolina and former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier in the SEC regular-season finale.

File:Gators at WH 07.jpg

{{see also|2006 Florida Gators football team}}

In 2006, Meyer coached the Gators to a 13–1 (8–1 in the SEC) record, with the one loss coming to the Auburn Tigers.{{Cite web |title=2006 Florida Gators Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida/2006-schedule.html |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} After clinching the SEC East, the Gators won the {{year event|2006|SEC Championship Game}} on December 2 over Arkansas by a score of 38–28. The Gators defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, 41–14, in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game to win the national championship.Associated Press, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131012/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=270080194 Gators attack: Florida gets title with rout of Ohio State]," ESPN.com (January 8, 2007). Retrieved December 16, 2021. It was the first BCS bowl berth for the Gators since the Orange Bowl that capped off the 2001 campaign,College Football Data Warehouse, [http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/f/florida/bowl_history.php Florida Bowl History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905182422/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/f/florida/bowl_history.php |date=September 5, 2015 }}. Retrieved September 1, 2009. and Florida's first national championship appearance and victory since winning the 1997 Sugar Bowl.

Meyer has been known for winning big games. In addition to his 5–1 record in bowl games at Florida, Meyer compiled a 16–2 record against three of the Gators' biggest opponents—Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida State.

{{see also|2007 Florida Gators football team}}

The Gators managed a 9–3 regular season record in 2007, including blowout wins over rivals Tennessee and FSU but once again losing to Auburn. During his tenure at the University of Florida, Coach Meyer never defeated Auburn.College Football Data Warehouse, All-Time Coaching Records, [http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=1608&year=2007 Urban Meyer:2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310055448/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=1608&year=2007 |date=March 10, 2012 }}. Retrieved September 1, 2009. Quarterback Tim Tebow also became Coach Meyer's first Heisman Trophy winner. The team led the conference in scoring,SECSports.com, [http://www.secsports.com/new/sports/fbc/07stats/confldrs.htm 2007 SEC Football Leaders]. Retrieved September 1, 2009. but struggles on defense made it difficult for the Gators to reach a BCS bowl game.Mark Schlabach, "[https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview07/news/story?id=2964388 Gators to alter style of play with loss of nine defensive starters]," ESPN.com (August 7, 2007). Retrieved December 16, 2021. The Gators lost the {{year event|2008|Capital One Bowl}} to Michigan 41–35 on January 1, 2008. Meyer served as a pre-game and halftime analyst for the 2008 BCS National Championship Game.

{{see also|2008 Florida Gators football team}}

File:Urban Meyer of Florida Gators on October 25, 2008.jpg

In 2008, Meyer led the Gators to a 13–1 overall record and the BCS National Championship over Oklahoma, including wins over six ranked teams. The team's lone defeat came at the hands of Ole Miss on September 27, 2008, a game in which Florida led in time of possession and passing yards, but had three turnovers. Eleven of the Gators' twelve wins in the 2008 regular season were by 20 points or more. On December 6, 2008, Meyer led the Gators to a 31–20 victory over then top-ranked Alabama in the SEC title game. Leading in time of possession, rushing yards, and passing yards, the Gators rallied from behind after a third-quarter deficit to score two touchdowns and hold Alabama scoreless in the fourth quarter. The victory would vault Florida to No. 1 in the Associated Press Poll, No. 2 in the USA Today Coaches' Poll, and No. 2 in the BCS rankings, setting up a showdown against Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game on January 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Gators won 24–14, securing their second national championship under Meyer.

{{see also|2009 Florida Gators football team}}

In 2009, Meyer's Gators began the season ranked No. 1 by the largest margin in the history of the AP preseason poll. Though the team struggled on offense at times, and quarterback Tim Tebow suffered a frightening concussion in a September victory over Kentucky, Florida finished the regular season 12–0 and still ranked No. 1. The winning streak ended in the SEC Championship Game, when they lost 32–13 to Alabama.

Florida was selected to play the undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2010 Sugar Bowl. The Gators won 51–24 to finish the season with a 13–1 record for the second consecutive year.

In the early morning of December 6, 2009, soon after returning home following his team's loss in the 2009 SEC Championship Game, Meyer was quietly admitted into a Gainesville hospital suffering from chest pains and dehydration. He was released later in the day, and the incident was not announced to the public at the time.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4719127| title=Florida: Meyer dehydrated after loss| date=December 6, 2009|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

On December 26, after discussions with his family, Meyer revealed his medical scare and announced that he would resign as Florida's head coach due to health and family concerns following his team's New Year's Day Sugar Bowl appearance. Meyer stated: "I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family." He also said: "I'm proud to be a part of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation and I plan to remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida." Meyer admitted that he had suffered frequent chest pains, later discovered to be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and occasional severe headaches due to an arachnoid cyst for years, and that they were related to stress.{{cite web |title=Meyer to coach final game at Sugar Bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4772952 |website=ESPN |access-date=December 16, 2021 |date=December 26, 2009}}

On December 27, Meyer announced that he would take an indefinite leave of absence instead of resigning. He was unsure if he would return for the 2010 season but stated that "I do in my gut believe that will happen."{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/sports/ncaafootball/28florida.html?_r=1|title=Florida's Meyer Will Take Leave, Not Resign|access-date=December 27, 2009 | work=The New York Times | first=Pete | last=Thamel|author-link=Pete Thamel | date=December 28, 2009}} Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio would serve as the interim coach in Meyer's absence.

On January 1, 2010, Meyer coached the Gators in their 51–24 Sugar Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats. In a post-game interview, Meyer again suggested that he would return to coach the Gators at some point by saying: "I plan on being the coach of the Gators."{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=300010057|title=Tebow caps college career with 533 yards, Sugar Bowl romp|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

Meyer took significant time off from his coaching duties after the bowl game in an attempt to improve his personal health.{{cite web| author=Dennis DoddCBSSports.com Senior Writer |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/13709797/flourishing-five-no-1-meyers-intensity-has-made-gators-best-of-best/rss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013120131/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/13709797/flourishing-five-no-1-meyers-intensity-has-made-gators-best-of-best/rss |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |title=Meyer's intensity has made Gators best of best – NCAA Football |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=August 5, 2010}} While he did stay in touch with potential new players during the busy recruiting season, Meyer did much less traveling to visit recruits than usual.{{cite web| url=http://www.nbcsports.com/id/35035094/ns/sports-college_football/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125021436/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/35035094/ns/sports-college_football/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 25, 2010 |title=Florida's Meyer may not take leave of absence |publisher=NBC Sports |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=August 5, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4852624|title=Meyer: Workload has been the same|date=January 24, 2010|access-date=December 16, 2021}} Nevertheless, the Gators still signed the consensus No. 1 recruiting class in the nation in February.{{cite web|url=http://insider.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421051105/http://insider.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2010 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |title=College Football Class Rankings 2010 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 16, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/top-10-recruiting-storylines-of-2010-class |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712141331/http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/top-10-recruiting-storylines-of-2010-class |archive-date=July 12, 2010 |title=Top 10 football recruiting storylines of 2010 class|website=Fox Sports |date=February 8, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2021 }}{{cite web|last=Low |first=Chris |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/8418/florida-may-have-best-recruiting-class-ever |title=Florida may have best recruiting class ever |publisher=ESPN |date=May 8, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2021}}{{cite news| url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/football/2010-signing-day.htm |title=Meyer carries Florida to No. 1 recruiting class |work=USA Today |date=August 2, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2021 |first=Jack |last=Carey}}

On March 17, 2010, Meyer returned full-time to his position for the start of the Gators' spring practice and continued in that role into the 2010 season.{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/03/17/meyers.return/index.html?xid=si_topstories |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718233031/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/03/17/meyers.return/index.html?xid=si_topstories |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |title=Urban Meyer ends leave of absence, returns for UF's first practice|first=Andy|last=Staples |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=March 17, 2010 |access-date=May 8, 2010}}

{{see also|2010 Florida Gators football team}}

With his victory over Kentucky on September 25, 2010, Meyer achieved his 100th career win as a coach. With that win, his record was at 100–18 over the course of 10 seasons. He became the sixth fastest NCAA coach to reach that record, following Gil Dobie (108 games), George Woodruff (109 games), Bud Wilkinson (111 games), Fielding Yost (114 games), and Knute Rockne (117 games). He was also the second-fastest to reach 100 wins since Wilkinson in 1945.St. Petersburg Times, [http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/article1124256.ece] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013061533/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/article1124256.ece|date=October 13, 2012}}. Retrieved September 26, 2010.

Despite reaching this milestone, the season was a difficult one for the Gators, and their 7–5 regular-season record was the worst in Meyer's tenure at Florida. On December 8, 2010, Meyer again announced his retirement from coaching for much the same reasons he mentioned in December 2009: his family and his health.{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2010-12-08-urban-meyer-retirement_N.htm | work=USA Today | first=Christine | last=Brennan | title=Family is an understandable pull for Florida's Urban Meyer | date=December 9, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20101208/COLUMNISTS/101209540|title=Meyer tweaks UF legacy, but what a legacy it is|work=Gatorsports.com|access-date=January 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105025339/http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20101208/COLUMNISTS/101209540|archive-date=January 5, 2011|url-status=dead}}

Meyer's last game as Florida's coach was a 37–24 win in the 2011 Outback Bowl on January 1, 2011.

After a three-month investigation, the Sporting News published an exposé titled "How Urban Meyer broke Florida football", suggesting that Meyer had created a toxic culture in the locker room at Florida and departed just before implosion.{{cite news| url=https://www.al.com/sports/2012/04/from_champs_to_chomped_how_urb.html|title=From champs to chomped: How Urban Meyer broke Florida football|work=Sporting News |date=April 9, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2012}} The article quoted several Florida players who declared that Meyer developed a "Circle of Trust" that included only star players, and that those players received favorable treatment, including not having to complete workouts, lenient punishment, and hiding the player's positive drug tests from the public. Although Meyer stated: "I've never heard of Circle of Trust before in my life", former players contend it was the foundation of Florida's culture under Meyer.

After resigning as the head football coach of the Florida Gators, Meyer worked as a college football commentator and analyst for the American television sports network ESPN.

On November 17, 2011, Eleven Warriors reported that Meyer would become the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.{{cite tweet|user=11W|author=Eleven Warriors|number=137373410241159169|date=November 18, 2011|title=We are 99.7% sure Urban Meyer has agreed to a deal to become the next coach of Ohio State. Solid sources. Plural.}} Meyer denied the report publicly,"[https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7272658/urban-meyer-denies-report-new-ohio-state-buckeyes-coach Urban Meyer: No Buckeyes deal]," ESPN.com (November 23, 2011). Retrieved December 16, 2021. then asked ESPN to be taken off assignment during the weekend of the Ohio State–Michigan game, adding more to the speculations that he might be named the next head coach of Ohio State.{{cite magazine | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/11/25/meyer-espn.ap/index.html?eref=si_mostpopular | magazine=Sports Illustrated | title=Meyer asks off ESPN duties amid Ohio St. rumors | date=November 25, 2011 | access-date=November 28, 2011 | archive-date=October 13, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013040954/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/11/25/meyer-espn.ap/index.html?eref=si_mostpopular | url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.onntv.com/content/stories/2011/11/23/story-osu-coach.html |title=Urban Meyer To Be Next OSU Coach |work=ONN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126093758/http://www.onntv.com/content/stories/2011/11/23/story-osu-coach.html |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2021}} On November 28, WBNS Columbus confirmed that Meyer had accepted the job as Ohio State's head football coach, and was introduced as head coach later that night.{{cite web |url=http://www.onntv.com/content/stories/2011/11/28/ohio-state-urban-meyer.html |title=It's Official: Urban Meyer To Coach Ohio State |work=10TV.com |access-date=November 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130015207/http://www.onntv.com/content/stories/2011/11/28/ohio-state-urban-meyer.html |archive-date=November 30, 2011 }} The school said Meyer would receive a six-year contract that paid $4 million annually, plus another $2.4 million total in "retention payments".{{cite web |last1=Brennan |first1=Pat |title=Urban hire: Ohio State hires Urban Meyer to 6-year, $24M contract |url=https://www.thelantern.com/2011/11/urban-hire-ohio-state-hires-urban-meyer-to-6-year-24m-contract/ |website=The Lantern |access-date=December 16, 2021 |date=November 27, 2011}} It was reported by CBS Sports on April 13, 2015, that Meyer signed a contract extension with the Buckeyes through 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-state-extends-coach-urban-meyers-contract-through-2020-season/ |title=Ohio State extends Urban Meyer's contract through 2020 season |first=Tom|last=Fornelli|publisher=CBSSports.com|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

{{see also|2012 Ohio State Buckeyes football team}}

In Meyer's first year of coaching at Ohio State, he helped lead the Buckeyes to an undefeated 12–0 record and a No. 3 AP Poll ranking. The team was ineligible for all other rankings, as well as postseason play, due to NCAA sanctions.{{cite web|url=https://insider.espn.com/blog/colleges/osu/post/_/id/1441/poll-position-osu-ineligible-for-usa-today-ranking|title=Poll position: OSU ineligible for ranking|work=ESPN.com|date=August 2, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2021}} He was surrounded by first-year coaches such as offensive coordinator Tom Herman, co-offensive coordinator Ed Warriner, and co-defensive coordinator Everett Withers.

File:Urban Meyer vs Michigan, 2013.jpg

{{see also|2013 Ohio State Buckeyes football team}}

Meyer's next year was not as good as the previous one, but Ohio State still finished #12 in the BCS rankings and a 12–2 record.{{Cite web |title=2013 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2013-schedule.html |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Meyer lost talent at the end of the year to the 2014 NFL Draft, including linebacker Ryan Shazier, cornerback Bradley Roby, and running back Carlos Hyde. Roby and Shazier went in the first round, and Hyde went in the second round.

{{see also|2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football team}}

File:W. Bridge St. (Dublin, Ohio) - renamed Honorary Urban Meyer Way.jpg, the city in which Urban Meyer resides, renamed West Bridge Street in his honor for his accomplishments during the 2014 season.{{cite web|title=Photo: Urban Meyer gets his 'Way' in Dublin|date=January 22, 2015|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/2015/01/22/photo-urban-meyer-gets-his/24139456007/|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320210853/http://buckeyextra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2015/01/22/urban-meyer-gets-his-way-in-dublin.html|archive-date=March 20, 2015}}]]

Before the start of the season, Ohio State lost its star quarterback, Braxton Miller, when he sustained a right shoulder injury during practice. Redshirt freshman quarterback J. T. Barrett stepped in as his replacement and led Ohio State to an 11–1 record through the first 12 games of the season. However, in the final game of the regular season, he sustained a broken ankle and was lost for the remainder of the year. Cardale Jones replaced Barrett at quarterback and guided Ohio State to a 59–0 blowout win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Football Championship Game. With the conference championship and the convincing win over Wisconsin, Ohio State moved up to #4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, jumping the two Big 12 teams in playoff contention, Baylor and TCU, qualifying for the inaugural four-team postseason tournament. They played #1 Alabama in the semifinal Sugar Bowl. Despite being nine-point underdogs and trailing by as much as 15 points in the first half, Ohio State came back to win, 42–35. The Buckeyes then faced Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Buckeyes were again underdogs as the #2-ranked Ducks were favored by seven points. Despite giving up four turnovers, Ohio State beat Oregon, 42–20, with MVP performances from running back Ezekiel Elliott and safety Tyvis Powell. The victory marked the eighth national championship in Ohio State's history and gave Meyer his third career national title, following his two with Florida.

On August 1, 2018, Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave by Ohio State after reports surfaced that Meyer knew about spousal abuse allegations against assistant coach Zach Smith prior to Smith's firing the week prior.{{cite web|publisher=Associated Press |date=August 1, 2018|url=https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-football-college-football-college-sports-5ef568ff9a614e78af8914bab61237e3|title="Ohio State's Meyer put on leave, investigation opened"}}

After an independent investigative panel reviewed the evidence, the Ohio State Board of Trustees found that Meyer and Ohio State University Athletic Director Gene Smith did not uphold the values of the university. On August 22, the board voted to suspend Meyer for the opening three games of the season for the Buckeyes. He missed the team's games against Oregon State, Rutgers, and TCU.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/24449427/ohio-state-suspends-coach-urban-meyer-ad-gene-smith |title=Ohio State suspends coach Urban Meyer, AD Gene Smith |work=ESPN |last=Murphy |first=Dan |date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2021 }}{{cite web |url=https://thespun.com/college-football/urban-meyer-practice-two-games-suspension |title=Urban Meyer Will Be Allowed To Coach Practice For 2 Games He's Suspended |work=The Spun |date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2021 }}

Ohio State finished the year with a 12–1 record, including winning the Big Ten conference, but was not selected for the College Football Playoff, instead receiving a spot in the 2019 Rose Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2018 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2018-schedule.html |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

On December 4, 2018, Meyer announced that he would retire from coaching following the team's Rose Bowl game for health reasons. It was announced that Ryan Day would take over the head coaching position immediately after the Rose Bowl.{{cite web |url=https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2018/12/urban-meyer-retiring-as-ohio-state-football-coach-after-rose-bowl-ryan-day-to-replace-him.html |title=Urban Meyer retiring as Ohio State football coach after Rose Bowl, Ryan Day to replace him |work=cleveland.com |last=Lesmerises |first=Doug |date=December 4, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2021 }}

{{See also|2021 Jacksonville Jaguars season}}

File:Urban Meyer with JAC.jpg

On January 14, 2021, Meyer was hired to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/official-urban-meyer-named-jaguars-head-coach|title=Official: Urban Meyer named Jaguars Head Coach|website=jaguars.com|language=en-US|access-date=January 14, 2021|date=January 14, 2021|first=John|last=Oehser}} On July 1, 2021, the NFL fined Meyer $100,000 for violating practice rules during organized team activities.{{cite news |title=NFL fines San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys for OTA violations |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31745995/nfl-fines-san-francisco-49ers-jacksonville-jaguars-dallas-cowboys-ota-violations |website=ESPN.com |date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2021}}

In early October, a video appeared to show Meyer inappropriately touching a woman who was not his wife while he was at his Columbus-area restaurant, Urban Meyer's Pint House.[https://nypost.com/2021/10/08/urban-meyer-womans-mom-concerned-for-daughters-wellbeing/ Dancing with Urban Meyer is ‘ruining’ woman’s life] by Jenna Lemoncelli on the NY Post, October 8, 2021 Meyer apologized to the team and personnel. Jaguars owner Shahid Khan said that Meyer's behavior had been "inexcusable" and that Meyer "must regain our trust and respect".{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32342897/jacksonville-jaguars-owner-shad-khan-urban-meyer-regain-our-trust-respect-inexcusable-conduct | title=Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan: Urban Meyer 'must regain our trust and respect' after 'inexcusable' conduct | website=ESPN.com | last=DiRocco | first=Michael | date=October 5, 2021 | access-date=October 5, 2021 | language=en}}

The Jaguars won their first regular season game on October 17 against the Miami Dolphins by a score of 23–20.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401326325|title=Jags end 20-game skid with 53-yard FG to beat Dolphins 23-20|access-date=2024-06-11|website=ESPN|language=en}} The Jaguars won their second regular season game when they defeated the heavily favored Buffalo Bills by a score of 9–6 on November 7.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401326456|title=Jags get better Josh Allen in this meeting, beat Bills 9-6|access-date=2024-06-11|website=ESPN|language=en}}

Toward the end of the 2021 season, Jaguars players and coaches were critical of Meyer's treatment of them, to which the team officially responded with assertions of Meyer's job security.{{Cite web|title=Report: Jaguars players, coaches fed up with Urban Meyer on and off field|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-jaguars-players-coaches-fed-up-with-urban-meyer-on-and-off-field-173919802.html|access-date=December 12, 2021|website=sports.yahoo.com|date=December 11, 2021 |language=en-US}}{{cite magazine|last=Gastellum|first=Andrew|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/12/11/report-urban-meyer-called-assistants-losers-marvin-jones-argument|title=Report: Urban Meyer Called Assistants Losers, Argued With Marvin Jones as Tensions Mount|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=December 11, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}{{Cite web|date=December 11, 2021|title=Urban Meyer still in Jacksonville Jaguars' plans despite building tension, sources say|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32845194/urban-meyer-jacksonville-jaguars-plans-building-tension-sources-say|access-date=December 12, 2021|website=ESPN.com}}

On December 15, former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo publicly accused Meyer of physical abuse, saying that Meyer repeatedly kicked Lambo's leg during warmups prior to the team's final preseason game. Lambo said it was inexcusable for any boss at any workplace to strike an employee. After Lambo told Meyer never to kick him again, Lambo said Meyer responded, "I'm the head ball coach. I'll kick you whenever the fuck I want." Later that day, Lambo reported the incident to his agent, who then reported it to the Jaguars team.{{cite web|last=Stroud|first=Rick|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2021/12/15/former-jaguars-kicker-josh-lambo-says-he-was-kicked-by-urban-meyer-during-warmups/|title=Former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo says he was kicked by Urban Meyer during warmups|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}Sullivan, Tyler (December 16, 2021). "[https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/urban-meyer-fired-ex-jaguars-kicker-josh-lambo-says-he-was-kicked-by-former-coach-during-warmups-in-preseason/ Urban Meyer Fired: Ex-Jaguars Kicker Josh Lambo Says He Was Kicked by Former Coach During Warmups in Preseason]". CBS News. Within hours of these new revelations from Lambo, Jaguars owner Shahid Khan made the decision to fire Meyer from his position and informed him of this in the early hours of December 16, 2021.{{cite web|title=A Statement from Shad Khan|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/a-statement-from-shad-khan|website=Jaguars.com|date=December 16, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216055506/https://www.jaguars.com/news/a-statement-from-shad-khan|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=DiRocco|first=Michael|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32879774/urban-meyer-jacksonville-jaguars-head-coach-rocky-first-year|title=Urban Meyer fired as Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach amid rocky first year|website=ESPN.com|date=December 16, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

Meyer recorded a 2–11 (.154) record during his brief tenure. His thirteen-game tenure is tied with Lou Holtz and Bobby Petrino for fourth-shortest coaching tenures in NFL history. Holtz and Petrino also were making their NFL head coaching debuts after previously being a head coach in college.{{cite web |title=Urban Meyer joins ranks of the shortest head coaching stints in NFL history |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/urban-meyer-joins-ranks-of-the-shortest-head-coaching-stints-in-nfl-history/ |website=CBSSports.com|date=December 16, 2021 }} His .154 winning percentage is the worst of any non-interim head coach since Cam Cameron's .063 winning percentage with the Miami Dolphins in 2007.{{cite web|last=Barney|first=Justin|url=https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2021/12/16/commentary-we-should-have-seen-the-urban-meyer-train-wreck-coming/|title=Commentary: We should have seen the Urban Meyer train wreck coming|publisher=News 4 Jacksonville|website=news4jax.com|date=December 16, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021}}

On January 26, 2022, Meyer spoke publicly for the first time about his tenure with the Jaguars on Dan Dakich's podcast Don't @ Me, calling it "the worst experience I've had in my professional lifetime", citing the five-game losing streak and the differences in practice time compared to college football. Meyer added that he experienced "depression", and said, "I'd stare at the ceilings and [think] 'are we doing everything possible' because I really believed we had a roster that was good enough to win games. I just don't think we did a great job."{{cite web |last1=Dakich |first1=Dan |title=Don @ Me with Dan Dakich Podcast |url=https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1lDGLLeVXdbGm |website=Twitter}}{{cite web |last1=Nettuno |first1=Tyler |title=Former Jaguars coach Urban Meyer goes on the record about failed NFL tenure |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/former-jaguars-coach-urban-meyer-202420081.html |website=Yahoo! Sports |date=January 25, 2022 |publisher=Yahoo!}}

When Meyer landed his first head coaching position at Bowling Green University, he travels to visit John L. Smith and Scott Linehan at University of Louisville, Randy Walker and Kevin Wilson at Northwestern University, Bill Snyder at Kansas State a University, Joe Tiller and Jim Chaney at Purdue University, and Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia University, all of whom ran some version of the spread offense.

Meyer's teams at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State all ran the spread, chiefly utilizing a run-first variation most similar to Rodriguez's at West Virginia, but with tweaks to fit the offensive personnel. For example, Meyer's first two years at Florida skewed toward a drop-back passing attack led by Chris Leak, while Tim Tebow led an option run-based spread (as did Alex Smith at Utah). Using this offense, he won two BCS titles, won the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship, became the first coach to lead a BCS non-automatically qualified conference team (Utah) to a BCS bowl,{{cite news| agency= Associated Press| url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=1957147 | title=Utah coach lauded for perfect season| website=ESPN.com | date= January 2, 2005| accessdate= December 16, 2021}} coached a Heisman Trophy winner (Tim Tebow), {{cite news| agency= Associated Press| url= https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3146714 | title=Florida QB Tebow is first underclassman to win Heisman| website= ESPN.com| date= December 9, 2007| accessdate= December 16, 2021}} and graduated a player who became a number one overall pick in the NFL draft (Alex Smith).{{cite web |title=2005 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/draft.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 16, 2021}}

Assistant coaches under Meyer who became NCAA or NFL head coaches:{{Cite web |last=Leigh |first=Brian |date=June 2, 2018 |title=Who Has More Impressive Coaching Tree: Urban Meyer or Nick Saban? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2308229-who-has-more-impressive-coaching-tree-urban-meyer-or-nick-saban |access-date=June 15, 2021 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

• Steve Addazio: Temple (2011–2012), Boston College (2013–2019), Colorado State (2020–2021)
• Gary Andersen: Utah State (2009–2012; 2019–2020), Wisconsin (2013–2014), Oregon State (2015–2017)
• Chris Ash: Rutgers (2016–2019)
• Tim Beck: Coastal Carolina (2023–present)
• Tim Beckman: Toledo (2009–2011), Illinois (2012–2014)
• Gregg Brandon: Bowling Green (2003–2008), Colorado Mines (2015–2021)
• Ryan Day: Ohio State (2018–present)
• Stan Drayton: Temple (2022–2024)
• D. J. Durkin: Maryland (2016–2018)
• Luke Fickell: Cincinnati (2017–2022), Wisconsin (2023-present)
• Cody Hawkins: Idaho State (2023–present)
• Tom Herman: Houston (2015–2016), Texas (2017–2020), Florida Atlantic (2023-2024)
• Jay Hill: Weber State (2014–2022)
• Doc Holliday: Marshall (2010–2020)
• Scot Loeffler: Bowling Green (2019–2024)
• Dan McCarney: North Texas (2011–2015)
• Dan Mullen: Mississippi State (2009–2017), Florida (2018–2021), UNLV (2025-present)
• Mike Sanford Sr.: UNLV (2005–2009), Indiana State (2013–2016)
• Greg Schiano: Rutgers (2020–present)
• Brian Schottenheimer: Dallas Cowboys (2025–present)
• Charlie Strong: Louisville (2010–2013), Texas (2014–2016), South Florida (2017–2019)
• Mike Vrabel: Tennessee Titans (2018–2023), New England Patriots (2025-present)
• Kyle Whittingham: Utah (2005–present)
• Kevin Wilson: Tulsa (2023–2024)
• Everett Withers: James Madison (2014–2015), Texas State (2016–2018)

{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both }}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Bowling Green Falcons

| conf = Mid-American Conference

| startyear = 2001

| endyear = 2002

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2001

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 8–3

| conference = 5–3

| confstanding = T–3rd (East){{cite web|url=http://www.mac-sports.com/Portals/20/2013%20MAC%20FB%20Media%20Guide_1.pdf|title=2013 MAC Football Media Guide (.pdf)|year=2013|publisher=Mid-American Conference|access-date=December 18, 2013}}

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2002

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 9–3

| conference = 6–2

| confstanding = 3rd (East)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 17–6

| confrecord = 11–5

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Utah Utes

| conf = Mountain West Conference

| startyear = 2003

| endyear = 2004

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2003

| name = Utah

| overall = 10–2

| conference = 6–1

| confstanding = 1st

| bowlname = Liberty

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = 21

| ranking2 = 21

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2004

| name = Utah

| overall = 12–0

| conference = 7–0

| confstanding = 1st

| bowlname = Fiesta

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 5

| ranking2 = 4

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Utah

| overall = 22–2

| confrecord = 13–1

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Florida Gators

| conf = Southeastern Conference

| startyear = 2005

| endyear = 2010

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2005

| name = Florida

| overall = 9–3

| conference = 5–3

| confstanding = T–2nd (Eastern)

| bowlname = Outback

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = 16

| ranking2 = 12

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = national

| year = 2006

| name = Florida

| overall = 13–1

| conference = 7–1

| confstanding = 1st (Eastern)

| bowlname = BCS NCG

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 1

| ranking2 = 1

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = 2014

| year = 2007

| name = Florida

| overall = 9–4

| conference = 5–3

| confstanding = 3rd (Eastern)

| bowlname = Capital One

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = no

| ranking = 16

| ranking2 = 13

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = national

| year = 2008

| name = Florida

| overall = 13–1

| conference = 7–1

| confstanding = 1st (Eastern)

| bowlname = BCS NCG

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 1

| ranking2 = 1

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| year = 2009

| name = Florida

| overall = 13–1

| conference = 8–0

| confstanding = 1st (Eastern)

| bowlname = Sugar

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 3

| ranking2 = 3

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2010

| name = Florida

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 4–4

| confstanding = 2nd (Eastern)

| bowlname = Outback

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Florida

| overall = 65–15

| confrecord = 36–12

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Ohio State Buckeyes

| conf = Big Ten Conference

| startyear = 2012

| endyear = 2018

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| year = 2012

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 12–0

| conference = 8–0

| confstanding = 1st (Leaders)

| bowlname = {{#tag:ref|In 2012, Ohio State was ineligible for the Big Ten Conference title, postseason play, and the Coaches Poll.|group=n|name=2012season}}

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 = 3

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| year = 2013

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 12–2

| conference = 8–0

| confstanding = 1st (Leaders)

| bowlname = Orange

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 10

| ranking2 = 12

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = national

| year = 2014

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 14–1

| conference = 8–0

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| bowlname = Sugar^†, W CFP NCG

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 1

| ranking2 = 1

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| year = 2015

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 12–1

| conference = 7–1

| confstanding = T–1st (East)

| bowlname = Fiesta

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 4

| ranking2 = 4

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| year = 2016

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 11–2

| conference = 8–1

| confstanding = T–1st (East)

| bowlname = Fiesta

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 6

| ranking2 = 6

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2017

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 12–2

| conference = 8–1

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| bowlname = Cotton

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 5

| ranking2 = 5

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2018

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 10–1{{#tag:ref|Meyer was placed on administrative leave for the first three games of the 2018 season. Offensive coordinator Ryan Day served as acting head coach in his absence, and Ohio State credits the first three games to Day and the final 11 games to Meyer. Under Day, the Buckeyes won all three contests, one of which was a conference game. Ohio State finished with a record of 13–1 and conference mark of 8–1.|group=n|name=2018season}}

| conference = 7–1

| confstanding = T–1st (East)

| bowlname = Rose

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 3

| ranking2 = 3

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Ohio State

| overall = 83–9

| confrecord = 54–4

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record End

| overall = 187–32

| overallconfrecord = 114-22

| yearstart = 2004

| yearend = 2018

| poll = two

| polltype =

}}

File:Urban Meyer Big Noon Kickoff.jpg in 2024]]

While studying at University of Cincinnati, Meyer met Shelley Mather, a freshman nursing student, at Sigma Chi's Derby Days philanthropy event. They married in 1986. The Meyers have three children: Nicole ("Nicki"), Gisela ("Gigi") and Nathan ("Nate"). His daughters played Division I volleyball: Nicki played for Georgia Tech,{{cite news| first=Ken | last= Sugiuera| url= http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/gatech/stories/2008/11/18/ |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090804050748/http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/gatech/stories/2008/11/18/georgia_tech_meyer_volleyball.html | title= Daughter of Florida's Meyer to play for Jackets| work= Atlanta Journal Constitution| date= November 18, 2008| archivedate= August 4, 2009| accessdate= September 1, 2009}} and Gigi played for Florida Gulf Coast.{{cite news | last=Caldwell| first= Dana |title=Volleyball: FGCU standing tall as new season begins |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/aug/25/volleyball-fgcu-standing-tall-new-season-begins/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403031828/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/aug/25/volleyball-fgcu-standing-tall-new-season-begins/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |work=naplenews.com |date=August 25, 2011 |access-date=August 26, 2011}} He is a practicing Roman Catholic.{{cite web|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20081120/COLUMNISTS0306/811200343/Notre-Dame-Meyer-seem-like-perfect-fit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216114846/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20081120/COLUMNISTS0306/811200343/Notre-Dame-Meyer-seem-like-perfect-fit |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |title=Notre Dame, Meyer seem like perfect fit |publisher= | website=Florida Today | first=Pete | last= Kerasotis |date= November 20, 2008 |access-date=October 15, 2011 }}

• List of Ohio State University people
• List of Sigma Chi members
• List of University of Cincinnati people

{{Reflist|group=n}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130527130648/http://web.gatorzone.com/football/media/2012/media_guide.pdf 2012 Florida Football Media Guide], University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida (2012).
• Carlson, Norm, University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators, Whitman Publishing, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2007). {{ISBN|0-7948-2298-3}}.
• [http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/bgu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/fb-06-mg-football-history.pdf BGSU Football History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712131925/http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/bgu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/fb-06-mg-football-history.pdf |date=July 12, 2007 }}, 2006 Bowling Green Football Media Guide.
• [http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/utah/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/06-mediaguide-l.pdf Ute Record Book] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712131929/http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/utah/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/06-mediaguide-l.pdf |date=July 12, 2007 }}, 2006 Utah Football Media Guide.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070712131929/http://www.gatorzone.com/football/media/2006/pdf/45-52.pdf Head Football Coach Urban Meyer], 2006 Gator Football Media Guide.
• {{cite journal |last= Thompson |first= Wright |author-link = Wright Thompson|date=August 20, 2012 |title= Urban Meyer will be home for dinner|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8239451/ohio-state-coach-urban-meyer-new-commitment-balancing-work-family-life |journal=ESPN The Magazine |location= Bristol, Connecticut |publisher= ESPN }}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Twitter}}
• {{College Football HoF|2561}}

{{Navboxes

| list =

{{Bowling Green Falcons football coach navbox}}

{{Utah Utes football coach navbox}}

{{Florida Gators football coach navbox}}

{{Ohio State Buckeyes football coach navbox}}

{{Jacksonville Jaguars coach navbox}}

{{2006 Florida Gators football navbox}}

{{2008 Florida Gators football navbox}}

{{2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football navbox}}

{{Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year}}

{{George Munger Award}}

{{Home Depot Coach of the Year}}

{{Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Meyer, Urban}}

Category:1964 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football cornerbacks

Category:Bowling Green Falcons football coaches

Category:Cincinnati Bearcats football players

Category:College football announcers

Category:Colorado State Rams football coaches

Category:Florida Gators football coaches

Category:Gulf Coast Braves players

Category:Illinois State Redbirds football coaches

Category:Jacksonville Jaguars head coaches

Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football coaches

Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football coaches

Category:Utah Utes football coaches

Category:Pulaski Braves players

Category:High school football coaches in Ohio

Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees

Category:Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology alumni

Category:St. Xavier High School (Ohio) people

Category:Sportspeople from Ashtabula, Ohio

Category:Players of American football from Ohio

Category:Baseball players from Ohio

Category:Coaches of American football from Ohio

Category:Catholics from Ohio

Category:20th-century American sportsmen