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Urban Meyer Almost Coached Arizona Wildcats in 2011
14 Jun
Summary
- Urban Meyer was interviewed for Arizona's head coaching job in 2011.
- Meyer's father battled cancer during the interview period.
- Rich Rodriguez was ultimately hired by Arizona instead of Meyer.
Urban Meyer, a highly decorated college football coach, recently shared that he was considered for the head coaching position at the University of Arizona in 2011. During a one-year break from coaching between his tenures at Florida and Ohio State, Meyer was contacted by then-Arizona Athletics Director Greg Byrne. Byrne offered to fly Meyer to his father, who was critically ill with cancer, and conduct the interview en route. Meyer recalled this gesture as a testament to Byrne's character. Despite the personal turmoil, Meyer did not accept the position. Arizona ultimately hired Rich Rodriguez as their head coach for the 2011 season. Rodriguez led the Wildcats for six seasons, compiling a 43-35 record before his departure.
