Why Urban Meyer will be a lock for the College Football Hall of Fame
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, reacts after Penn State gets a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
The 54-year old coach has been dubbed as Urban Liar and even Urban Crier by his critics, but rather you love or hate him, you can’t deny Meyer’s legacy of winning.
Compiling a career record of 190-32, including 86-9 in seven season at Ohio State is nothing less than phenomenal. Two undefeated seasons and three National Titles doesn’t hurt either. Meyer was one of the early architects of the spread offense and helped revolutionize today’s game. He’s one of the best recruiters in the sport and put several of his players in the National Football League.
Meyer is a rock star in College Football, but he also has baggage. During his last couple of years at Florida he lost complete control of the team and left the program on suspect terms. That’s why it wasn’t a shocker when Meyer announced he’ll be retiring after Ohio State’s Rose Bowl Game against Washington. After all, the past five months has been a crazy roller coaster ride for the Ohio native.
He wasn’t truthful with the press at Big 10 Media Days and was suspended for the Buckeyes’ first three games of the season for his role in a domestic abuse cover up involving an assistant coach. On the sidelines Meyer seemed to be an emotional wreck and on numerous occasions the coach dropped to his knees after Ohio State’s defense gave up a big play. News about Meyer’s brain cyst surfaced mid-season and provided clarity for his uncharacteristic antics.
The 29-point loss at Purdue had the Buckeyes’ backs against the wall, but Meyer’s squad was resilient and ended the regular season at 13-1 with their second-straight Big 10 Championship. The Big 10 Champion will be left out of the College Football Playoff for a third-straight year, but Meyer will be making his first-ever trip to the Rose Bowl.
The keys to the program has been handed over to Buckeyes Offensive Coordinator Ryan Day, but the roster is full of four and five-star talent that Meyer recruited. The last time an assistant coach took over for the team Ohio State finished the season with a losing record. Still, Meyer is hoping everything will be a smooth transition for the program.
Meyer no doubt has been the beast of the Big 10 East and his departure will be a big relief for coaches around the conference. It will also have a domino effect on College Football overall. Only time will tell with how the Buckeyes will respond without their leader, but Meyer has a chance to go out at the top of his game.
The success Meyer has endured in the sport over the last 23 years will never be forgotten. He set the pedestal pretty high and it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever get to see a coach with his ambition and overall influence anytime soon. Meyer has been a winner everywhere he has gone and will go down as one of the greatest coaches of our time.
