After reports of growing tension at Ohio State, Urban Meyer had addressed those rumors and spoke about his future coaching the Buckeyes.
Two weeks ago there was a report from Football Scoop about tension between Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and athletic director Gene Smith. That report fueled speculation that Meyer could resign or retire at the end of the season.
At the time of the report, of course, there could be tension, as Ohio State was coming off their first loss of the year, a blowout loss at Purdue at that, and there was the lingering saga amid his three-game suspension to open the season in response to his handling of Zach Smith’s domestic violence issues.
After a bye week, it would appear that things are doing much better in Columbus and Meyer’s future is squarely set in Columbus.
Speaking at Monday’s press conference, Meyer put to bed any rumor that he will be stepping down at season’s end and assured everyone he’s healthy.
“I plan on coaching,” Meyer said. When asked if he’ll be back in 2019, Meyer replied, “yes.”
Meyer previously resigned as the coach at Florida due to his health, and there was a moment earlier this year when Meyer took a knee and Kirk Herbstreit speculated he just didn’t look right. But Meyer assured everyone there is nothing wrong with his health and it won’t get in the way of him coaching Ohio State.
“I’m fine,” Meyer said. “I want Ohio State to be successful in the worst way. I don’t want people to worry about me.”
I never gave much consideration to the report and rumors that Meyer would leave Ohio State on his own accord. I think if Ohio State was going to fire him, they would have done so instead of handing out a three-game suspension.
I think Meyer is still one of the three or four best coaches in college football, but he hasn’t had a great year, yet. He can still rally and have a great year if the Buckeyes beat Michigan, win the Big Ten and get to the College Football Playoff.