|
Posted 12/28/2009 at 02:24 PM
In Miami, there’s The U. In Tallahassee, there’s FSU. And in Gainesville, it’s Flip-Flop U.
We’ve seen this one before. After winning back-to-back national championships, Billy Donovan accepted the Magic job and held a press conference in Orlando. Then he came back to Gainesville and changed his mind.
One day after stunningly resigning in the prime of his career, 45-year-old Urban Meyer had a change of heart during practice Sunday and instead opted to take a leave of absence. The presser Sunday in New Orleans, carried live on ESPN, was odd to say the least.
Steve Addazio, the offensive coordinator, will serve as the interim coach while Meyer mulls his health and his mysterious decision(s). Talk about a mid-life crisis.
The money poured in on Florida after Saturday’s news, causing betting shops to move UF from 11 to 12 ½ and as high as a 13-point favorite (at Sportsbook.com) over Cincinnati for the Sugar Bowl.
Meyer’s reversal is a good thing for Louisville, as Charlie Strong will obviously still join the Cards as their new head coach after serving as UF’s defensive coordinator one last time against the Bearcats. The news is also good for North Carolina and Oklahoma, assuming Jeremy Foley might’ve inquired about their current head coaches.
As for Florida, yes, the news is good. But will it impact recruiting? You know Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin and the rest of the nation will use this against the Gators on the recruiting trail.
Only time will tell. But for now, at least Gator Nation doesn’t have to fret about Foley’s next search for a head football coach. Because you NEVER know how that could’ve turned out.
|
