I don’t believe in a Big Conspiracy Theory. I do not buy the speculation that this year was a “tryout” for Addazzio, or that there was some grand secrecy or ulteriority behind Urban changing his mind and coming back for 2010. Here’s what I think happened…
A year ago, Urban could no longer ignore his health problems. He is also a classic “type A”, all in, 100% control kind of coach. Accordingly, he figured if he couldn’t do the job, he needed to resign. That would only be fair to a University and a job he obviously loves. He didn’t consider taking time off, because that wouldn’t enter into the realm of his possibilities. Jeremy Foley reinforced my belief about this, during the presser this evening, saying, “Urban didn’t think he could take that leave of absence.” (Today's presser was also the only time I have seen Jeremy choke up, so I believe he was being honest when he spoke about his relationship with Urban -- and his statement that he hadn't started contacting prospective coaches before Urban decided to leave.) So, Urban changed his mind and took the leave of absence and tried to be a head coach without being Mr. Type A, in control of everything. He doesn’t know how to delegate, and he doesn’t know how to run the Gator machine without being in control of everything and putting all of his time into that. This season proved that he cannot produce a successful season without being totally hands on. AND, I think once he gave himself the option of choosing family and personal life over his professional life -- and actually tried it on! -- he liked that better. My father made the same kind of impossible decision. When he decided to quit his profession (in 1967), he owned two grocery stores. He was born and raised into the grocery business, knew it very well, and was very successful in it. AND, the business required all of his time. My brother, sister, and I would only see him on weekends – when we would go to the store and help bag groceries or run registers (on Saturdays) or play in the store on Sunday (when the store was closed, and we could build forts out of the toilet tissue packages). In 1967, when I was 12, he decided his family was more important than the stores, that he wanted to spend time with his kids before we were grown and gone. So he sold the stores, and moved us to Florida without knowing what the heck he would do next. He certainly didn’t have the financial comfort to do that easily. I always respected him for doing that, and my admiration has only grown as I have aged. Cut the guy some slack. I think Urban is trying to do what’s right for him – and do it in the way that gives Jeremy the most time to get another coach. I am very fascinated to see who our next coach will be, and how Gator Nation reacts. In all kinds of weather… Mary -- GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY! 1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions | Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
