It should go without saying that Urban Meyer will be one of the main focuses of attention for fans, media and, perhaps, Ohio State itself as the school ultimately gets around to conducting a national search and naming a permanent successor to Jim Tressel.
The fact that Meyer built Utah into a non-BcS power before moving on to Florida and winning two national titles -- one at the expense of the Buckeyes -- coupled with the fact that he’s from the state of Ohio and served as an assistant at the school he’s acknowledged as being one of his “dream jobs” lends his name to speculation, even as Tressel’s coaching corpse is barely eight hours old.
As expected, the current ESPN college football analyst has released a statement that addresses both the speculation swirling around his potential candidacy as well as his admiration for the man he may ultimately replace on the sidelines.
“I am committed to ESPN and will not pursue any coaching opportunities this fall,” Meyer said in a statement released by his current employer. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the people at ESPN this spring and remain very excited about my role with the network this fall.
“Jim Tressel has been a respected friend and colleague for a long time. I wish Jim and his family the very best now and in the future.”
Pretty standard, what-you’d expect stuff from Meyer, except for the fact that the ex-UF coach very explicitly states that he “will not pursue any coaching opportunities this fall.” As should be known to anyone following this developing story, OSU has made it crystal clear that they will not be pursuing a permanent replacement for Tressel until after the 2011 season is completed.
In other words, Meyer did not even remotely slam the door shut on speculation that he may be bound for Columbus later on this year or early next. In fact, Meyer appears to have kicked the door wide open and, in not so many words, loudly proclaimed " call me!”.
It remains unclear whether or not Meyer will have an interest in getting back into coaching after what would be just one season away from the sidelines. What’s perfectly clear from his statement, however, is that he may very well be more than open to inquiries from prospective collegiate employers once his first TV season has come to an end.