Sporting world reacts to Meyer’s resignation

Much has already been said about Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer’s resignation, and it has only been hours since he has decided to step down from the program. Many of Meyer’s players, former players, peers and friends have already released statements about their thoughts and feelings about the situation.

Check out the sporting world’s reaction to Meyer’s announcement after the jump!!!

Florida Gators senior quarterback Tim Tebow:
“I love Coach Meyer. The past four years he has been my dad away from home. We will always have a father-son relationship for the rest of our lives. Coach loves the university, his players and the fans. I believe he has made the right decision for him and his family. He will always be loved by me and the Gator faithful.”

Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen:
“Urban has had a tremendous impact on not just my career, but my life and the lives of each student-athlete that has had the opportunity to learn from him. Megan’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Urban and his family at this time and we wish them much happiness in the future. There will be a void in college football during his absence.”

Florida State Seminoles retiring head coach Bobby Bowden:
“It’s a surprise to everybody. I hope he’s OK physically because he’s done as great a job at the University of Florida as has been done there, or anywhere else. I admire the way he handles himself and I really like his family. The college coaching profession will really miss him.”

USC Trojans head coach Pete Carroll:
“Urban’s been an extraordinary figure in college football. Whatever he’s got to do – he’s as tough as nails – he’ll get back if he can. If he’s not able to, I hope everybody is pulling and praying and sending all the love that we can. I know he’s going to be tough enough to bounce [back] if he can. We wish him the very best – and particularly to his family.”

Texas Longhorns head coach Mack Brown:

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban:
“He’s a first-class coach and the success he’s had is unmatched in our profession, especially over the last five years at Florida. We hope he is able to regain his health and have the opportunity to coach again in a future. Urban Meyer is a great person as well as a great coach, and the game of college football is better with him as a part of it.”

LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles:
“Its a shocker. I wish him well. He’s a family man. We all want for him to have good health.”

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Lane Kiffin:
“Just got the news about Coach Meyer. The SEC and college football are suffering a huge loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Houston Nutt:
“Who would have ever thought waking up this morning that Urban Meyer would step down? It’s a shame. It really is.”

TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson:
“Being a college football coach, especially at the level of Florida, is like being on Wall Street. It’s a pressure that multiplies when you consider all the different things that go along with it. You’re talking about millions of dollars, the pressure to win, the fan base. It’s a seven-day evaluation.”

Cleveland Browns defensive back Abram Elam:
“The news of Urban Meyer stepping down is really unfortunate. My family and I will keep him in our prayers.”

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Al Horford:
“I wish for Urban’s recovery. He has to get healthy and take care of that. Stay strong Gator Nation.”

Former Florida Gators point guard Taurean Green:
“Get your health right Urban Meyer, [I’m] pulling for you.”