Urban Meyer to Michigan State reportedly a real possibility as former Ohio State coach rumored to be in search of new gig
Urban Meyer has had a legendary coaching career, as he is tied for the seventh-most national championships by any coach in college football history. While Meyer retired from coaching due to health reasons following the 2018 season, he returned for a short stint in the NFL in 2021.
Recent reports have suggested that the future College Football Hall of Famer could be the next coach of the Michigan State Spartans. An X (formerly Twitter) post shared to Message Board Geniuses claimed that Meyer recently took a second visit to Lansing, stating:
"Ishbia's friend circles in Birmingham saying urban was in town for a SECOND visit and that mat was there to greet him at the airport. I'm not sure how that's possible with our flight tracker sleuths but that's the rumor I heard this morning."
Check out the Twitter post suggesting Urban Meyer visited Michigan State for a second time here.
Meyer reportedly denied interest in returning to the coaching ranks earlier this month while speaking with Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, claiming that he is happy with his current role at FOX Sports.
Feldman tweeted:
"About the “reports” linking Urban Meyer to the Michigan State HC job… I just checked with him. There is zero truth to it with him being a candidate for it. He has no interest in that, and is happy with what he’s doing now at Fox Sports."
Check out Bruce Feldman's tweet on Urban Meyer here.
It is unclear if Meyer's stance has changed. However, two visits to Michigan State could suggest that he has at least some interest in the role. The Spartans are currently 2-5 and have lost all five games since the suspension and subsequent firing of Mel Tucker.
How has Urban Meyer done in his college coaching career?
After 15 years as an assistant coach, Urban Meyer received his first head coaching opportunity in 2001. In two years leading the Bowling Green Falcons, he compiled a 17-6 record before leaving for the same position with the Utah Utes. In two seasons, he led the Utes to a 22-2 record, including an undefeated 2004 season.
Meyer left Utah to take over as coach of the Florida Gators, spending six seasons in the role. The Gators were 65-15 under Meyer, winning two national championships. He took a year off before accepting a position as coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
In seven years, Ohio State was 83-9 under Meyer, winning one national championship.