Urban Meyer discusses the possibility of returning to Florida as a coach

It seems only a matter of time before Florida fires Billy Napier, but it looks like one of his successors as Gators football coach will not be Urban Meyer.

The former Florida and Ohio State coach spoke to Fox Sports colleagues Rob Stone and Mark Ingram on the Triple Option podcast on Wednesday about rumors of his possible candidacy. Meyer — the Gators' coach from 2005 to 2010 — said flatly that it won't happen.

“The ship has sailed,” Meyer said of On3. “I want the program to be successful so badly. I know so many people there and we have dedicated a large part of our lives to this program. But the ship has sailed.”

Meyer, 60, has not coached in the NFL since his failed 2021 stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he finished 2-11 and was fired before the end of the season. He was much more successful as a college coach, amassing an overall record of 187-32 with two national championships at Florida (2006 and 2008) and another at Ohio State (2014).

It's not clear if Florida would even be interested in bringing Meyer back as coach. However, the door never seems to be completely closed with Meyer, who has publicly denied interest in jobs in the past before ultimately accepting them.

Florida's record this season is 1-2, with embarrassing home losses to Miami and Texas A&M. The Gators travel to Mississippi State on Saturday amid rumors about Napier's job status.

Napier finished his first two seasons in Florida with 6-7 and 5-7 records, including five consecutive losses through the end of 2023. He would be entitled to a severance package of around $27 million if he is released before the end of the season.