Urban Legends: Speculation About Meyer Resigning for Reasons Other Than Family Is Unfounded

There is a great deal of speculation swirling in the media about the “real” reasons behind Urban Meyer’s resignation from his position as the head coach of the Florida Gators. We can say with very high confidence that Meyer resigned for precisely the reason he cited: his earnest desire to spend more time with this family.

We drew the same conclusion last year, when Meyer resigned and then abruptly rescinded his resignation. While we can’t say what he might choose to do down the road, we’re certain that speculation that Meyer resigned because he is considering a coaching spot at another university or in the NFL is unfounded. Meyer has not gone in depth in discussing his family in public, but there’s no reason he should have to. The move is understandable when you put it in the context of a MasterCard ad. Value of a coaching contract: Millions. Value of time with your family that you can never get back: Priceless. Kudos to Meyer for recognizing that.

To the analysis we conducted to arrive at this conclusion last year, we say “ditto” this year. Here is that analysis:

Speculation has been rampant about there being more to the story of Urban Meyer’s future as the University of Florida’s head football coach than health and family issues. However, we have found no reason to question the veracity of Meyer’s explanation for his initial decision to resign, or his subsequent decision to take a leave of absence instead.

As can be expected with the resignation announcement of any high-profile, extremely successful college football coach, when Meyer said his decision to step down was prompted by a personal health matter and concern for his wife and three children, the public’s reaction was one of skepticism.

Among the rumors that have gained traction since Meyer’s announcement are that the NCAA intends to impose sanctions against the Gators coach, and that Meyer has an NFL coaching deal in the works. There has even been some speculation of the sort of marital infidelity issues that have damaged the image of golf great Tiger Woods.

Our analysis of Meyer’s Dec. 27 interview with Tim Rinaldi of ESPN indicates that these rumors are unfounded. Meyer was straightforward in his responses, and consistent in his references to concerns about his health and family. Moreover, his candor in sharing the gist of his private conversations about his coaching future with his children suggests that Meyers was being sincere and open in his explanation.

Meyer was less open in discussing his conversation with his wife, Shelley, which could suggest that his family considerations aren’t solely related to his health. However, this could just as easily be a matter of protecting the sanctity of the privacy of his relationship with his wife.

Our conclusion that Meyer was being sincere rather than calculating in citing health and family issues as the reasons for his resignation is reinforced by the apparently uncalculated nature of the events that unfolded after his announcement. The fact that he changed his mind the next day, and opted for a leave of absence instead, suggests that Meyer had not given the decision the fully-considered attention it warranted.