Urban Meyer Resigns—Can We Believe Him This Time?

There are multiple reports that Urban Meyer will step down following the Florida Gators bowl game—a press conference is scheduled for later on this evening.

Does anyone else get the feeling that Meyer is just having another attack? Honestly, why bother stepping down now? The best time to have done so was last season, after his star quarterback graduated.

Now, once again, he looks suspect in doing so just as recruits are being contacted and, possibly, shored up—leaving his team and the Gators' football program in a lurch.

This, of course, assumes that he will actually follow through with his decision this time—forgive the skepticism, but I'll believe it when I see it.

That said, it's amazing what a mediocre season will do to a guy.

Urban probably isn't used to being questioned, doubted, criticized, or placed under the media microscope in a negative manner. He's been college football's golden boy for so long that the only spotlight he's used to having exists in the positive sphere.

Now, suddenly, people are saying he's lost his winning edge and is guilty of showing too much loyalty to his assistant coach (i.e. Steve Adazzio). Couple that with multiple losses to teams he's dominated (Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Florida State) and you have to wonder if he feels he's done all he can do at Florida.

Honestly, it was only a matter of time before Meyer's winning ways turned into rebuilding ones. You can't lose top-tier talent and assistant coaches each year and expect to maintain the same level of excellence. It's a ridiculous proposition to present to a guy—even Meyer.

On the flip side, another question does come to mind, is he simply tired of the college grind and ready to see what he can do at the next level. Could the NFL be calling? After all, there are plenty of teams that could use his talents and he won't have to look far to find one in particular—Denver.

Tim Tebow will likely be meeting a new quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator in the near future. Would Meyer be interested?

Whatever the case may be, Florida is once again looking for answers, and it will be very interesting to see who AD Jeremy Foley finds to fill this gigantic void.

That said, if this simply turns out to be another hoax, you can bet not many will find Meyer's indecision comical or professional—unless of course their name is Brett Favre. In which case, this is just the beginning of the rollercoaster ride.

Related articles

• Urban Meyer steps down as Florida Gators football coach (sportingnews.com)
• Urban Meyer stepping down at Florida Gators (sports.espn.go.com)
• Urban Meyer Resigns As Gators Head Coach (newyork.cbslocal.com)

A Few Possible Candidates For The Georgia AD Job (Updated)

Damon Evans is officially out as the Athletic Director (AD) for UGA Sports. His departure means that at some point, hopefully soon, a new AD will be appointed and the university will officially be able to close this sordid chapter.

Although no official word has been given as to when the search will begin or who the candidates will be, there is no shortage of opinion on who the prospects should/could be once the wheels are set in motion.

What follows are a few of the names that have surfaced more than once since Evans' departure became an inevitable probability and a brief look at their qualifications:

Greg McGarity, Executive Senior Associate Director (Internal Affairs), University of Florida: McGarity joined the University of Florida Athletic Department in 1992 and has assisted current AD, Jeremy Foley, in the supervision of both the football and basketball programs. He's a Georgia graduate and worked under former AD, Vince Dooley. He was also a candidate in 2003 when Georgia hired Damon Evans.

Carla Williams, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Georgia: Played basketball for UGA in the 1980's and was promoted to the job of Senior Associate AD in 2007. Currently serves as the administrator over women's basketball, gymnastics, men's and women's swimming and diving, and the equestrian program—which recently celebrated it's fifth National Championship.  She also served as the assistant AD at Vanderbilt from 2000-03.

Claude Felton, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Communications, University of Georgia: Has served as a member of the Georgia Athletic Association since 1979. His resume includes stints as the Senior Associate AD for External Affairs, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Information, and in his current capacity since 2004. He is a well-respected member of the Georgia sports community.

Dave Hart, Executive Director of Athletics, University of Alabama: An Alabama Alumnus (71') with more than 20-years experience as an AD—including stints at both FSU and East Carolina—Hart is widely thought to be the man behind the magic at Alabama. Current AD, Mal Moore, has passed most of the heavy-lifting on to Hart and it is thought that when Moore's contract is up in 2011, Hart will glide into the big man's chair. He would be a long shot, at best, for Georgia's vacant AD position.







Again, this is merely speculation and nothing has been said or done as of now.  Expect more in the coming weeks as UGA sorts out the Damon Evans situation, completely, and sets a course for finding the right man—or woman—for the job.

(Updated, 2:22 PM) Michael Adams has released his statement regarding the Damon Evan's situation:

"Yesterday, July 4, 2010, University of Georgia Athletics Director Damon Evans submitted his resignation, which I have accepted. As I said on Thursday morning when I first learned of the situation, this is not an example of the kind of leadership that I expect our senior administrators to set. I have high regard for Damon personally; I care deeply about him and his family.

"Under a separation agreement and release endorsed today by the executive committee of the board of directors of the University of Georgia Athletic Association, Mr. Evans will receive a $100,000 longevity bonus for his prior service, in accordance with the terms of his contract, as well as 3 months' salary as severance. We acknowledge the many positive accomplishments of his tenure, including an increased focus on the academic success of student-athletes, the overall financial strength of the athletic department and the hiring of many very good people as head coaches and senior leaders in the athletic department.

"I will address the future leadership of the athletic department during my regularly scheduled media briefing at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, in Mahler Auditorium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education."

 

It sounds like the president is already getting ready for the future and the Tuesday press conference should be forthcoming with, hopefully, more concrete information as to what the next step will be and when the search process will begin.