Urban Meyer Steps Down as Head Coach of Florida

Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer has stepped down.

The school made the announcement on Wednesday.

"As good of a coach as he is, he’s a better person," said athletic director Jeremy Foley. "He's given Gator fans and this program memories of a lifetime. When you win 22 games in a row and have back-to-back 13-win seasons, two national championships, it's hard to quantify. People just need to understand what he did. Winning two national championships is really hard. He fell in love with the Florida Gators, he loves this place, and he'll always be a part of our history. It was our privilege to have him as our football coach."

Meyer temporarily left the position last winter after experiencing chest pains and other health issues, but he returned to the job just a few months later. This time, though, he appears to be leaving for good.

"After spending more than two decades motivating and celebrating the young men I've been so proud to coach, I relish the opportunity to cheer for my three terrific kids as they compete in their own respective sports," Meyer said. "I know how fortunate I am to be in a position to make this choice and to have a family that is as loving and supportive as my amazing wife and children have always been."

Meyer, 46, signed a six-year contract worth a reported $24 million in August of 2009.