Yes he did back in the mid 90's, he was "exhausted" and he also had back surgery. The team went into the toilet that year and went 4-15 and missed the playoffs. Lute Olsen also unexpectedly took a year off for personal reasons, which turned out to be trying to deal with a bad situation with his 2nd wife. He did come back the next year but didn't coach a game and retired for good. I think BDR said many were not happy with Olsen and the way he handled things.
An unconfirmed rumor is that Urban needs a heart valve replacement. If that is true and he gets it done right away he will probably be back on the sidelines this fall.
Sid The book is Resurection. It's a good read for any ND fans but for those of us there in the 60's it's a real treat. I know you'd really enjoy it.
The...... <t>News today was what I felt like would happen but then the out of control media had Stoops and ten others getting the job.<br/> We won't know this but I wonder what he will do to combat the stress level once he gets back for the 2011 season. <br/> I wish him the best as he is one hell of a football coach.</t>
Larry, I think there is a very good chance Meyer is back for the 2010 season. Thanks for your good thoughts. Gator Bill
Yes I do Terry. What I have heard that makes some sense is that Meyer may need a heart valve replacement. In addition to that the stress really got to him the past several seasons. However I think it was a lot like Billy Donovan in that Meyer realized what he was giving up. I don't know if you watched the press conference or not but I think anyone who did watch and listen it would be obvious how much Meyer cares for the Gators and his players. What I hope is that he can take the medical steps necessary to be back in 2010 and if he can't make that then 2011.
Well the Fla. AD has quite a problem. Is he looking for a new HC or an interim one? Is Meyer's probable return a true story or one to keep recruits committed? Very confusing!!!
We have an interim coach who was announced several days ago. Gators aren't confused so things are fine.
I hope he takes a true leave of absence.....except for maybe a few confirming phone calls....not visits....to recruits who may be on the fence. He needs to get his ship righted and come back next year confident and with the energy he is famous for. Working 8 hour days instead of 14 hour days at the office is not going to accomplish much so I hope he really does take real time off and certainly if the valve problem is true he needs to deal with that first and foremost.
Dave I can't see how he can take a true leave of absence if he still maintains his office in the football complex. I mean what will Addazzio's have control of during the leave if Urban is right there? If it will be Urbans football team come August camp, then I can't imagine a driven person like him taking his hands off and letting even a trusted assistant run the show completely. Now if Urban is going to have open heart surgery to replace a valve or do some by pass surgery, then I could see the point. He would have the sugery, the recovery and the rehab to keep him busy and if all goes well maybe he would be ready to go in August.
I will be interested to see how his medical treatment pans out. Maybe he just has partial blockages that he can treat with medication, diet and exercise without the daily stress of his job. If it's a valve issue I would suspect surgery is the option.....just like "Ahnold....the Gov".
Meyer <r>Meyer is probably never coming back to coach at Florida again. He'll stay out for a year, Florida will get a new coach and Meyer will move onto the NFL <E>8)</E></r>
Good article.....about wraps it up on Meyer: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/12/27/urban.meyer.leave/index.html?xid=cnnbin
That was a good article MCG. Even handed and realistic. Much unlike what some writers have written. I'll take whatever lumps we might take over the next year or so for the prospect of getting a healthy Meyer back on our sidelines.