Urban Meyer is one of the best head coaches in recent college football history. While he seems to be very happy working as an analyst and has made it clear that he doesn’t plan to return to coaching, his name has been connected to both the Penn State and LSU coaching openings.
Despite his lack of interest in returning to the sidelines, Meyer will continue to be a name talked about when jobs open up. Nick Saban can be placed in the same boat.
Throughout his college head coaching career, Meyer compiled a record of 187-32 record. He also led his teams to three national championship wins.
Read more: Jon Gruden Named Potential Candidate in LSU Coaching Search
While he may not have interest in returning to the sideline as a head coach himself, he recently spoke out and endorsed an intriguing candidate amid the Penn State and LSU coaching searches.
Meyer believes that Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline would be an excellent head coach. He spoke out with glowing praise about Hartline as teams looking to find new head coaches.
“I’m a big Brian Hartline fan, always have been… he just needed the experience,” Meyer said. “I’m glad he stayed here; he had a chance to leave. He learned from us and learned from Coach Day, so I think he’s ready.”
Along with both the Tigers and Nittany Lions looking for head coaches, the Florida Gators also made the decision to move on from head coach Billy Napier. Florida State and Clemson have both been linked as teams who could consider coaching changes.
Plenty of other jobs around the nation are sure to open up as well.
Hartline has developed a lot as a coach in recent years. He has become a huge part of the Ohio State offensive success under head coach Ryan Day. There are many who firmly believe that he will be a head coach next season.
Read more: Florida State Linked to Surprising Potential Mike Norvell Replacement
Getting an endorsement from a legendary coach like Meyer is a big step in that direction. Hartline has been talked about a lot as a possible candidate, especially when it comes to Penn State. Meyer’s opinion should carry a lot of weight.
Expect to continue hearing Hartline’s name in the head coaching rumor mill as the season continues forward.
For more college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.
