Urban Meyer addressed the media from New Orleans Sunday explaining his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence 24 hours after announcing his resignation.
"During this past week I was offered and encouraged to take a leave of absence," Meyer said. "After spending time at practice this morning, I've decided to take this leave of absence to focus on my health."
Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley presented this option to Meyer during week-long discussions about the coach's future. Meyer also said family members and close friends encouraged this course of action.
Meyer announced he was stepping down following Friday's Sugar Bowl.
Meyer said his relationship with players played a large part in his decision to not completely relinquish his role. He went on to say his role in the Sugar Bowl will be that of head coach before turning over the reigns to Steve Addazio. "It's full speed ahead and we are going to do everything we can to win this game," Meyer said.
Foley said his reasoning for giving Meyer this leave of absence was out of a sense of fairness to him (Meyer), that it was "the right thing to do for the institution" and the program at Florida.
Meyer said his health had deteriorated over the last four years with increasing chest pains and fatigue. He also stated he wanted to re-focus his commitment to his family and his faith. After several consultations, doctors advised him his health should be his chief concern in the near future.
As to what changes he would make, Meyer said, "It's something I've got to figure out. I'm going to attempt to get this fixed."
Meyer did not have specific plans for his convalescence, stating he wanted what was best for the program and his family.
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