Urban Meyer announced earlier today that he will step down from his "dream job" as head coach of the University of Florida. He will coach the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 1st, 2010; but will hand over the reigns thereafter.

Although much speculation surrounded Meyer regarding the Notre Dame job and possible NFL jobs, this has nothing to do with any of the conspiracy theories that may surround this suprising news. Meyer's home will remain in Gainesville and he will probably help Florida's Atheltic Director Jeremy Foley choose his successor as head coach. 

Since becoming Florida's head coach, Meyer has fallen in love with Gainesville and has expressed his desire to remain in Gainesville as long as we will have him and until his kids graduate. With Nate Meyer not even in high school, he looks to remain in Gainesville for a long time.

Urban Meyer has had health issues due to stress since he was a coach at Bowling Green that have included, but not been limited to; throwing up on the sideline, headaches, dehydration, and high blood pressure. After the SEC Championship against Alabama, Coach Meyer was taken to the hospital  for dehydration and chest pains, but was treated there and released that same afternoon. 

Other health issues include an arachnoid cyst on his brain that was discovered in 1998. Doctors told him then it was not life threatening, but he could suffer head pain if the stress caused the condition to flare up. Rumors have surrounded Gainesville that Meyer has been suffering from headaches for the past couple weeks, but haven't been medically confirmed. The breaking news may be the confirmation we've all been looking for.

Here's the statement Coach Meyer released today:

"I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program. I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to reevaluate my priorities of faith and family. After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family."

Here's what Jeremy Foley released regarding the news:

 "Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision. But, the bottom line is that Coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship."

Meyer has won 3 SEC Eastern Division Championships, 2 SEC Championships, 2 BCS Championships in his tenure at Florida. Meyer also went 14-1 against Florida's rivals (Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida State) in his five years as head coach. Meyer steps down as one of the best in the game at coaching, recruiting, and managing a team and leaves a void that Foley will struggle to fill. The decision he made was honorable and shows where his true passion is; his family. 

Thanks for the memories, Coach Meyer. We look forward to having you in Gainesville and around the University of Florida for years to come.

Rusty Thompson is one of the founders of GatorTailgating.com