If you flipped by ESPN this weekend, you likely saw reports that “sources close to Urban Meyer and Ohio State” had told the network that the former Florida coach — and current ESPN employee — had been talking with OSU officials about their head coaching position.
But Meyer told The Gainesville Sun today that that’s just not true.
“The concerns are still there,” he said. “Number one, my health. Number two, my family. Number three, the state of college football.” But then he told the paper the following:
“I’ve done some research into the second one. I’ve found that it is possible to have balance between your job and your family, that there are coaches out there who are doing it.
I’m in a good place right now mentally and physically. So if something happens with Ohio State, I’ll have a decision to make. But there has been no interview. There has been no offer to make s decision about.”
Well that’s as clear as mud. We find it hard to believe that ESPN would run a story about one of its analysts before actually checking with that employee.
So it’s possible the Meyer has spoken with OSU and he’s simply splitting hairs as to what should and should not be considered an “interview.”
It’s also possible that word got out before Meyer told his family of his talks. That’s pure speculation, of course, but Meyer decided — before speaking with his family — to return after a one-day retirement from Florida in December of 2009.
Regardless of what Meyer specifically says, it certainly sounds like he’s getting that old coaching itch again… and that if Ohio State makes him an offer he’ll strongly consider it.
We wonder, however, if OSU officials have paid attention to:
1. What Meyer did at Florida without Tim Tebow (not much)
2. What Meyer left behind at Florida (a team capable of struggling with Furman)
