Ohio State AD on Urban Meyer coaching again: Never say never

Urban Meyer has only been retired for a few months but there are already questions about if this retirement will actually stick.

Is Urban Meyer already getting the itch to return to coaching college football? According to his boss, Ohio State athletic director, Gene Smith, thinks the three-time national champion head coach has coached his last game. But in comments made to George Schroeder of USA Today, Smith’s also not closing the door entirely.

"“I have a hard time believing that.” … “Is it possible? You can never say never. He’s still young.”"

The 54-year-old Meyer turns 55 this summer, his first summer off the sideline since his one-year retirement during the 2011 college football season.

Meyer cited health reasons, specifically an arachnoid cyst on his brain that left him with crippling headaches that saw the Ohio State coach in visible pain and agony, including taking a knee during one game.

Smith is quick to point out the health concerns are legitimate and shouldn’t be dismissed so easily. When Meyer retired the first time from Florida, it was to spend more time with his family and address his personal health issues. The time away from the daily stress of being the head coach at one of the biggest programs in the country has alleviated his headaches.

Furthermore, stepping out of the media spotlight where his last year was marred by a suspension stemming from his inaction after the Zach Smith controversy may have Meyer thinking twice about a return to coaching where he’d have to face those questions again.

Meyer is working as an assistant athletic director at Ohio State, including teaching a class and meeting with captains from other sports.

While Meyer said he believes he’s coached his last game at his retirement press conference last winter and Smith believes he’s done too, his name came up in regard to the USC job this week.

Former USC superstars, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, said they’ll be recruiting him to USC if current Trojans head coach doesn’t keep his job. Leinart, Bush and Meyer will be working together as part of FOX’s college football coverage this fall.

If the USC job doesn’t open this fall, there will be other programs in need of a proven winner like Meyer. Will Meyer ultimately want to take the plunge and return to coaching?

Never say never, but I’d bet on the door being closed, locked and the key thrown away.