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Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has decided to step down from his post after the Buckeyes play Washington in the Rose Bowl after a run of seven seasons during which he amassed an incredible 82-9 record and boasted some of the best recruiting classes nationally.
According to reports, there were numerous factors for his decision to leave Ohio State, including him being content on where the program stands, his confidence in offensive coordinator Ryan Day taking over the Buckeyes and health issues, including a brain cyst that causes severe headaches.
Numerous times this season, Meyer was seen doubled over on the sidelines dealing with apparent headaches, and at least once he had to be attended to by Ohio State medical professionals.
Meyer missed the first three games this season as he served a suspension for his handling of allegations against former assistant coach Zach Smith, which included alleged domestic abuse.
At 54 years old, Meyer has established himself as one of the best college football coaches of all time. He won two national titles at Florida before he left the Gators with health-related issues. Meyer won a title in Columbus as well. His record is one for the ages - 186-32, never a losing season in 17 seasons and only one five-loss campaign.
With Meyer's future ahead of him, we ask Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell whether he sees Meyer returning to coaching at some point - whether the USC job opens after next season, or if the Notre Dame position becomes open at some point or possibly trying his hand in the NFL. Or is Meyer done in coaching for good?
FARRELL'S TAKE
“This is a tough question to answer, because Meyer is still a young man with many years of potential left as a head coach. However, I have to think this is his last stop, because it’s the second time he’s stepped down due to medical issues. It would be hard to explain coming back to take over USC, or even Notre Dame, down the line after stepping down two times.
"Of course, those teams would love to have him if they had a need (USC sooner than Notre Dame) and they welcome him with open arms, and he would likely be very successful. But it seems as if he’s done to me.”
