Current Coaching Status
Urban Meyer is not currently coaching. He retired from coaching in 2019 after serving as head coach at Ohio State University and the University of Florida, and briefly as an analyst. There are no active head coaching or assistant coaching roles as of the 2024 season. This status reflects his final departure from on-field coaching responsibilities.
Head Coaching Tenure
Ohio State Buckeyes (2012–2018)
Meyer was the head coach at Ohio State from 2012 to 2018, winning the 2014 national championship and multiple Big Ten titles. His tenure ended after the 2018 season amid ongoing health concerns related to concussions and back issues.
Florida Gators (2005–2010)
Prior to Ohio State, Meyer was the head coach at Florida from 2005 to 2010, securing the 2006 national championship and establishing a program resurgence.
Retirement and Transition
Meyer announced his retirement from coaching in January 2019, citing health concerns and a desire to spend time with family. He briefly joined ESPN as an college football analyst before transitioning away from broadcast work. His retirement marked the end of a 17-year collegiate head coaching career that produced significant on-field success and widespread recognition.
Timeline of Key Coaching Positions
| Position | Years | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tolimo (assistant) | 1986–1996 | Early development as coordinator |
| Colorado (assistant) | 1996–1999 | Defensive coordinator growth |
| Utah (head coach) | 2000–2002 | Program turnaround |
| Michigan State (head coach) | 2003–2004 | Short rebuilding period |
| Florida (head coach) | 2005–2010 | 2006 national championship |
| Ohio State (head coach) | 2012–2018 | 2014 national championship, retirement 2019 |
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Meyer's legacy is defined by championship wins and polarizing public moments. Media coverage intensified around his health-related retirement and subsequent comments in interviews. Analysts frequently compare his strategic approach to other major-program coaches, noting both operational excellence and controversies. Coverage remains relevant when evaluating program transitions at Ohio State and Florida.
Broadcasting Stint
ESPN Analyst (2019–2020)
After retiring, Meyer worked as a college football analyst for ESPN. He appeared on shows including College Football Live and contributed to coverage of major games. He stepped back from regular broadcasting roles by 2020, focusing on personal priorities.
Current Activities
Since leaving coaching and broadcasting, Meyer has maintained a low public profile. He has not taken an on-field or on-screen role and has indicated a focus on health and family. There are no announced plans for a return to coaching or prominent media work.
Comparison of Major Coaching Tenures
| Coach | Programs | National Championships | Retirement Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Meyer | Utah, Michigan State, Florida, Ohio State | 2 | 2019 |
| Nick Saban | LSU, Alabama | 7 | Active |
| Dabo Swinney | Clemson | 2 | Active |
Key Takeaways
- Urban Meyer is retired from coaching as of 2019 and is not currently coaching.
- He served as head coach at Florida (2005–2010) and Ohio State (20212018), winning two national championships.
- His retirement was driven by health concerns, particularly concussions and back issues.
- He worked briefly as an ESPN analyst but has since stepped away from broadcast duties.
- There are no active coaching or prominent media roles as of the 2024 season.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Urban Meyer still coaching in 2024?
No, Urban Meyer is not coaching in 2024. He retired from all coaching roles in 2019 and has not returned to an on-field position.
Why did Urban Meyer retire? Meyer retired primarily due to health concerns related to concussions and back problems, which were exacerbated by the physical demands of the job. Did Urban Meyer work in broadcasting?
Yes, he worked as a college football analyst for ESPN from 2019 to around 2020, then transitioned away from broadcast work.
Will Urban Meyer coach again?
There are no indications or announcements suggesting a return to coaching. Meyer has signaled a focus on health and family.
What are Urban Meyer's biggest accomplishments?
He won two national championships (2006 Florida, 2014 Ohio State) and established winning programs at multiple FBS schools with significant legacy impact.