The recent developments related to Urban Meyer’s health situation transcend decades. Other coaches over the years have left their passion because of health-related issues. The pressure, the stress, the all-encompassing commitment have forced many head coaches to leave the game they love prematurely.
Meyer is the perfect example. His drive and ambition have been well-documented. He was quoted as saying that “…I’ve got to take better care of my health.” After resigning last week, Meyer changed his mind and decided to take an “indefinite leave of absence.” An analogy can be made to former Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian.
The ‘Era of Ara’ began in 1964 when Parseghian began an 11-year run as Irish Head Coach. From a 2-7 record in 1963, Parseghian rocked the college football world as Notre Dame came within an eyelash of winning the National Championship. The Irish finished 9-1, losing to USC in the last game of the season, 20-17. Two National Championships did come later in 1966 and 1973. But the pressure-cooker of being the face of Notre Dame football took its toll. By the end of the 1974 season, Parseghian, then only 51, said stress had affected his health and he resigned.
He never coached again. Parseghian helped build a successful life insurance business and was both a television college football studio commentator and game analyst for a number of years. He’s now 86 and still living in South Bend.
Maybe a similar path is next for Urban Meyer. Or maybe it should be.