Urban Meyer Announces Leave of Absence at Press Conference Today

NEW ORLEANS — Urban Meyer had a change of heart overnight.

One day after shocking the college football world by saying he planned to stepped down as Florida’s head coach, Meyer changed course Sunday and opted for an indefinite leave of absence. Meyer went as far as to predict that he’ll be standing on the sideline when the Gators kick off the 2010 season.

“I do in my gut believe that will happen,” he said at Sunday’s Allstate Sugar Bowl news conference.

Meyer, 45, did not discuss the health problems that led to his leave of of absence, instead telling reporters: “I’ve accepted this offer to improve my health.”

“I want to make sure I do right by my family,” said Meyer, who is married with three children. “My second family is my players and my staff.”

Meyer will coach the Gators when they take on Cincinnati on New Year’s Day, with offensive coordinator Steve Addazio taking over Florida’s football program during his absence.