I wasn’t treated well says Urban Meyer as he gives personal reason for choosing florida over Notre Dame football

Urban Meyer, the legendary college football coach, has always been known for his exceptional leadership and ability to transform programs into national powerhouses. However, in a recent interview, Meyer revealed a personal reason for choosing the University of Florida over Notre Dame, citing that he wasn’t treated well by the Fighting Irish during the hiring process.

“I’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for Notre Dame and its tradition,” Meyer said. “But, unfortunately, I didn’t feel like I was treated with the same level of respect during the hiring process. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, I knew that Florida was the right fit for me.”

Meyer’s decision to choose Florida over Notre Dame in 2005 was met with surprise by many in the college football world. At the time, Notre Dame was considered one of the premier programs in the country, with a rich history and tradition of excellence. However, Meyer’s experience with the university’s administration left a sour taste in his mouth.

“I remember having conversations with the athletic director and other administrators, and it just didn’t feel right,” Meyer recalled. “They didn’t seem to be interested in hearing my vision for the program or what I needed to succeed. It was more about what they wanted, rather than what was best for the team.”

Meyer’s experience with Notre Dame’s administration was in stark contrast to his interactions with the University of Florida. Jeremy Foley, Florida’s athletic director at the time, made a lasting impression on Meyer.

“Jeremy Foley was incredible,” Meyer said. “He listened to me, answered all my questions, and made me feel like I was the only candidate they wanted. It was a night-and-day difference from my experience with Notre Dame.”

Meyer’s decision to choose Florida ultimately proved to be a wise one. During his six-year tenure, he led the Gators to two national championships (2006, 2008) and established himself as one of the premier coaches in college football.

“I knew that Florida had the potential to be a special place,” Meyer said. “The fans, the facilities, the talent – everything was in place. I just needed to bring the right mindset and leadership to take it to the next level.”

Meyer’s experience at Florida was not without its challenges, however. He faced intense pressure to deliver championships, and the program’s expectations were extremely high.

“There’s no doubt that the pressure at Florida was immense,” Meyer said. “But I thrived on that pressure. I knew that if I could build a strong culture and surround myself with the right people, we could achieve great things.”

Meyer’s legacy at Florida extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. He helped establish the Gators as a national powerhouse, and his influence can still be seen in the program today.

“Urban Meyer changed the game,” said current Florida coach Billy Napier. “He showed us how to build a program, how to motivate players, and how to win championships. I owe a lot of my success to him.”

Meyer’s decision to choose Florida over Notre Dame may have been influenced by personal factors, but it ultimately proved to be the right choice for his career.

“Life works in mysterious ways,” Meyer reflected. “If I had gone to Notre Dame, who knows what would have happened? Maybe I wouldn’t have achieved the same level of success. Maybe I wouldn’t have met the people who helped shape me into the coach I am today.”

Meyer’s story serves as a reminder that personal relationships and cultural fit are just as important as credentials and experience when evaluating coaching opportunities.

“Coaching is a people business,” Meyer concluded. “When you find the right fit, amazing things can happen. That’s what I found at Florida, and that’s what I hope every coach finds in their next chapter.”

In conclusion, Urban Meyer’s decision to choose Florida over Notre Dame was influenced by his personal experience with the university’s administration. Despite Notre Dame’s rich tradition and history, Meyer felt undervalued and disrespected during the hiring process. In contrast, Florida’s athletic director Jeremy Foley made Meyer feel wanted and valued, ultimately leading to his decision to join the Gators.

Meyer’s legacy at Florida is a testament to the importance of personal relationships and cultural fit in coaching. His ability to transform the program into a national powerhouse serves as a reminder that the right coach in the right environment can achieve greatness.

As Meyer looks back on his decision, he is grateful for the path he took.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished at Florida,” Meyer said. “I’m proud of the relationships I built and the players I coached. And I’m grateful for the lessons I learned along the way.”