Urban Meyer knew how to win as a head coach, earning national titles while with the Florida Gators (2006, 2008) and Ohio State Buckeyes (2014).
He also understood the importance of academics for student-athletes. In a recent episode of “The Triple Option,” Meyer revealed a funny way of motivating his players.
Bowl season was always around the same time as finals, so Meyer would have a player with bowl gifts walk around the locker room showcasing them, but he would not allow players with bad grades to get them.
He did the same for conference championship rings as well.
“Mark and Rob, I’d have one of the players walk around with it, and the players would start clapping,” Meyer said. “I’d say, ‘Now, you 17 guys that are under a 2.0, you don’t get one. You’re not getting one. If you want that, look right there, study really hard for finals.’ Then I would pull out the rings. Because when you win the SEC or Big Ten Championship, you get a ring, and I’d say, ‘Once again, you four guys, you’re not getting it.'”
Florida Gators former head coach Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier on the sidelines.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Meyer was the head coach at Florida from 2005-10. In addition to his two national titles with the Gators, he took them to four bowl games. His complete bowl record at Florida was 5-1.
Meyer coached 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow at Florida. Tebow went on to throw 9,285 career passing yards, 88 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
Tebow was a Heisman finalist once more in 2008 and was voted fifth in 2009.
Fast forward to 2025, and Florida is coming off an 8-5 season under head coach Billy Napier. The Gators open the season with Long Island on Aug. 30.
