Florida coach will lead Gators in Sugar Bowl before taking leave of absence

By Bud L. Ellis

It appears Urban Meyer will coach Florida after all when the Gators take on Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. And the meeting at the Louisiana Superdome on New Year’s night won’t necessarily be Meyer’s finale as Gators’ coach.

One day after announcing he was stepping down due to health reasons, Meyer told media members Sunday in New Orleans that he’s instead taking an extended lead of absence after the Sugar Bowl. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio will assume interim duties while the 45-year-old Meyer steps away to focus on his health.

Meyer was hospitalized for dehydration after the Gators’ 22-game winning streak ended with a 32-13 loss to Alabama at the SEC Championship Game Dec. 5 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. But published reports since have instead claimed Meyer suffered from chest pains after the loss to the Crimson Tide, and chest pains have been a common occurrence for the coach who in five years has led the Gators to two national championships and a sparkling 56-10 record.

As if the Gators weren’t motivated enough for their meeting with the Bearcats, after missing out on a shot at a third national title in four years by losing to Alabama, comes this: the realization that Meyer’s leave of absence is indefinite, and there is no guarantee he’ll be on the sidelines after Friday.

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Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 9:51 pm by bud

Tags: Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia Dome, Louisiana Superdome, Steve Addazio, Sugar Bowl, Urban Meyer