Challenges Faced by Urban Meyer: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Urban Meyer. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Urban Meyer is an American sportscaster and former college and professional football coach. He achieved considerable success at the collegiate level, leading Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State. He won two national championships with Florida and one with Ohio State. Meyer retired from coaching in 2019, then briefly coached the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL in 2021. After a short and controversial stint in the NFL, marked by a poor record and off-field incidents, Meyer returned to broadcasting.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 1, 2008: Capital One Bowl Loss

On January 1, 2008, the Gators lost the Capital One Bowl to Michigan 41–35. Meyer also served as an analyst for the 2008 BCS National Championship Game.

September 27, 2008: Loss to Ole Miss

On September 27, 2008, Florida suffered a loss to Ole Miss despite leading in time of possession and passing yards; however, Florida had three turnovers during the game.

December 6, 2009: Hospital Admission

In the early morning of December 6, 2009, Urban Meyer was admitted to a Gainesville hospital suffering from chest pains and dehydration after returning home from his team's loss in the 2009 SEC Championship Game. He was released later in the day.

December 26, 2009: Resignation Announcement

On December 26, 2009, Urban Meyer announced he would resign from his position following the team's bowl game against Cincinnati, citing health concerns.

2009: 2009 Season and SEC Championship Loss

In 2009, Meyer's Gators began the season ranked No. 1. Despite struggles on offense and a concussion suffered by Tim Tebow, Florida finished the regular season 12–0 and still ranked No. 1, but lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

September 2010: Chris Rainey Arrest and Meyer's Response

In September 2010, after Gator receiver Chris Rainey was arrested for sending a threatening text message to a former girlfriend, Urban Meyer addressed the issue and the need for improvement within the program.

2010: Indefinite Leave of Absence

In 2010, specifically on December 27, Urban 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.

August 1, 2018: Administrative Leave by Ohio State

On August 1, 2018, Urban Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave by Ohio State following reports that he knew about spousal abuse allegations against assistant coach Zach Smith.

July 1, 2021: NFL Fine for Practice Rules Violation

On July 1, 2021, the NFL fined Urban Meyer $100,000 for violating practice rules during organized team activities.

December 16, 2021: Firing from Jacksonville Jaguars

On December 16, 2021, Jaguars owner Shahid Khan fired Urban Meyer from his position following public accusations of physical abuse by former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo.

2021: Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach and Firing

In 2021, Urban Meyer came out of retirement to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL, but was fired after 13 games due to controversies and a 2-11 record.

2021: Criticism of Meyer's Treatment by Jaguars Players and Coaches

Toward the end of the 2021 season, Jaguars players and coaches criticized Meyer's treatment of them, to which the team officially responded with assertions of Meyer's job security.

January 26, 2022: Public Statement on Jaguars Tenure

On January 26, 2022, Urban Meyer publicly discussed his tenure with the Jaguars on Dan Dakich's podcast Don't @ Me, describing it as "the worst experience I've had in my professional lifetime" and spoke of experiencing "depression".