Statleague.com

Apparently Urban Meyer’s heart got stronger overnight (No word on if he was anointed by the healing powers of Tebow tears).  The legendary coach in training is not going to resign from Florida as he stated yesterday.  Instead he will take an “indefinite absence” from coaching, leaving the door for him to return at some point, a point that will assuredly come.  Meyer was pushed to this decision by increasing episodes of chest pains.  The irony, of course, being the fact there were undoubtedly some racing hearts and chest pains among die-hard Gator fans, their growing legion of douchey bandwagon followers, and sycophantic media types after last night’s announcement.  Has anyone checked on Verne Lundquist today? 

Gator fans can only hope it's for one year.

This is a huge win for Florida football as the prospect of replacing Meyer is something they were hoping to worry about 30 years from now.  Florida is undoubtedly a cherry job in the NCAA but finding a replacement for Meyer was not going to be as simple as you would think.  Could you imagine taking over the Florida job with a 45 year old legendary coach still on the athletic director payroll?  I think not.  Could you replicate Urban’s success with a Tebow-less Gator squad?  Hell no, Tebow has a better chance of being and NFL All-Pro at quarterback.   There is little doubt the daily speculation of a comeback would have been suffocating and the inevitable comeback would have fractured the fan base.  If you are Bob Stoops would you walk into that minefield?  Of course you wouldn’t.  The Gators can hand the keys to a familiar face and wait for Meyer’s triumphant return.  Again, he’s definitely coaching at some point. 

There’s no doubt Urban will struggle with the fine line between being involved and staying rested.  To me that sounds like trying to jump in the pool without getting your hair wet or trying to drink socially.  Either way, it’s tough to stay dry.  Here’s to hoping Meyer can make it back healthy and be a force in college football.  After enduring the most boring season the NCAA has given us in some time, it’s clear he is needed whether that be in the role of hero or villain. 

Thankfully, my holiday break has been much less stressful.  All my chest pains this week are the result of over-eating, binge drinking, and shoveling snow.  I plan on taking an indefinite leave from only one of the three.