Urban Meyer Resigns as University of Florida Football Coach

It's see-ya-later-Florida-Gators for Urban Meyer, who pulled the plug on his six-year career coaching in The Swamp.

No college football coach in the country with 10 or more seasons under his belt has won more games than Meyer. And no other coach in the 105-year history of the sport at UF has been more successful or more celebrated.

He has scheduled a press conference for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Meyer, 46, told GatorZone.com, "I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and, during that time, my primary focus has been helping my teams win titles.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and I am a fierce competitor to my core. At this time in my life, however, I appreciate the sacrifices my 24/7 profession has demanded of me, and I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field. The decision to step down was a difficult one."

News of Meyer's impending departure rippled through the state Capitol Tuesday afternoon, where Senate committees are under way -- many of them staffed with Gator alumni.

"I can't believe it," said Capitol intern Stephanie Elle, UF Class of 2008. "I'm sick. We didn't have our best year in 2010, but we're ready to go straight to the top again in 2011."

Elle said she hopes if Meyer is going to another team, it will be to the now-coachless Denver Broncos, where Tim Tebow sings his praises.

Meyer will remain to lead the 7-5 Gators through the Outback Bowl in Tampa on New Years Day.