Skip to content

Meyer says he hasn't considered resigning in wake of controversy

Icon Sportswire / Getty

Urban Meyer hasn't considered stepping down as Jacksonville Jaguars head coach amid the controversy hovering over him.

Meyer has been scrutinized heavily since a video went viral showing a young woman - who isn't his wife - dancing on his lap. The first-year coach stayed in his native Ohio and went out while the rest of the Jaguars flew back to Jacksonville after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday to fall to 0-4.

"I thought, at the time, this is a chance for everybody to clear their head, including myself with my family located where we were to go spend a day or two with them and then get back because I knew I wanted (players) to get out of Dodge, too, and clear their heads," he said.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan condemned Meyer on Tuesday, saying the legendary college football figure must work to regain the organization's trust.

Meyer apologized to his players for the distraction but reportedly drew the ire of the locker room for doing it in small groups. One player anonymously said the 57-year-old was "too scared" to face the entire team at once.

"In my opinion, you don't get much done in a team meeting, you get a lot done when you're in personal space with people," Meyer said. "I've always done that."

Meyer apologized to the team again Wednesday and addressed the players collectively.

The three-time national champion said he received permission from general manager Trent Baalke "way in advance" to stay in Ohio and added that the franchise hasn't fined him for his conduct. He also described his actions as a "speed bump" in his 37-year marriage with his wife, Shelley.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox