Florida fans should not get their hopes up about an Urban Meyer reunion.
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Meyer Shut Down Coaching Rumors
The former Gators head coach asserted that the "ship has sailed" for him to return to The Swamp in a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast. Meyer shut down any speculation while speaking to co-hosts Mark Ingram and Bob Stone but added that he still actively roots for the program to succeed.
"I want that program to do well so bad," he said. "I know so many people there and we gave a big part of our life to that program. But that ship has sailed."
After Florida's 1-2 start to the 2024 season, rumors concerning Meyer's return to Gainesville had surfaced amid concerns about current head coach Billy Napier's job security. During an appearance on The Matt Barrie Show this week, ESPN's Paul Finebaum floated the idea of a possible second stint for Meyer as the Gator's head coach.
"Well, I mean, we know there were a lot of bad feelings," Finebaum said. "I don't think those feelings are still there. It's been a long time. And one thing you can't deny about Urban Meyer is he came within a paper clip of winning three national championships in four years there, and that's all that matters."
Meyer's Sheet Speaks For Itself
Meyer coached the Gators from 2005 to 2010, leading them to national titles in 2006 and 2008. After his tenure with the Gators, he was the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2012 to 2018. He helped the program secure the 2014 national title. Meyer hasn't returned to coaching since his failed stint in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 which saw him get fired before the end of the season following his 2-11 record at the reigns.
