One of the most significant individuals in Ohio State football’s history has a debt that must be paid.
One of the Most Significant Individuals in Ohio State Football’s History Has a Debt That Must Be Paid
Ohio State University is one of the most storied programs in college football, boasting a rich history of success, tradition, and legendary figures. Among those figures, few stand as tall as former head coach Urban Meyer. Meyer, whose name is etched in Buckeye lore for his contributions to the program, helped shape a new era of dominance for Ohio State, including winning a national championship in 2014. While Meyer’s legacy at Ohio State is undeniably significant, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of his tenure that has been left unsettled. The very individual who elevated the Buckeyes to new heights now finds himself facing a debt that must be paid—a debt owed not to fans or players, but to his own personal journey and the program he helped make great.
In the high-stakes world of college football, success is often accompanied by intense pressure. For Meyer, the stakes were always higher at Ohio State, given the program’s elite status, its fanatical fanbase, and the lofty expectations that come with coaching one of the most successful teams in the nation. As Meyer led the Buckeyes to numerous Big Ten titles and a national championship, he was not only building a program, but also navigating personal battles. Despite the success, Meyer was confronted with significant challenges that affected his health, his personal life, and his coaching career.
This debt that Meyer faces is not financial. It is something far deeper and more personal—an emotional, mental, and professional reckoning with the consequences of his intense coaching career. This debt is the result of a pattern of sacrifice, personal strain, and even missteps that Meyer now must face and resolve. Understanding the complexities of Meyer’s career, his impact on Ohio State, and the toll that his journey took on him is essential to fully appreciating the depth of this unspoken debt.
Urban Meyer’s Legacy at Ohio State
Before delving into the debt Meyer faces, it’s essential to understand the magnitude of his achievements at Ohio State. When Meyer took the helm of the Buckeyes in 2012, the program was in need of revitalization. Although Ohio State had a strong tradition, it was recovering from the fallout of the Jim Tressel scandal and the subsequent NCAA sanctions that resulted in a postseason ban. The university needed a coach with the pedigree to restore pride to the program, and Meyer was just the man for the job.
Meyer’s arrival was met with a wave of optimism. Known for his success at Florida, where he won two national championships, Meyer brought a championship mentality to Ohio State. From his first season, Meyer’s influence was evident. Although the Buckeyes were banned from postseason play due to NCAA sanctions, Meyer led the team to an undefeated regular season, signaling that Ohio State’s football program was back. The following year, in 2013, Meyer’s Buckeyes went 12-0 and won the Big Ten Championship, though they were left out of the College Football Playoff due to the format’s exclusion of conference champions at the time.
However, the pinnacle of Meyer’s tenure came in 2014 when the Buckeyes made history with a national championship. Despite losing star quarterback Braxton Miller to a season-ending injury before the season even began, Meyer expertly navigated the loss, relying on backup quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones to lead the team to a stunning run to the College Football Playoff. Ohio State defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon in the national title game, marking Meyer’s third national championship as a head coach.
Beyond the championships, Meyer’s influence extended to Ohio State’s recruiting, player development, and overall culture. Under Meyer’s guidance, the Buckeyes consistently attracted some of the best high school talent in the country, turning Ohio State into a national powerhouse. Players like Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, and Marshon Lattimore thrived under Meyer’s watch, with many going on to successful careers in the NFL. Meyer’s legacy at Ohio State was not just about wins and championships but also about shaping young men into leaders, instilling discipline, and creating an unshakable winning mentality.
The Hidden Toll of Success
While Meyer’s career at Ohio State was one of immense success, the pressure of maintaining that level of excellence took a toll on him personally and professionally. Meyer’s intense coaching style, marked by his relentless pursuit of perfection and commitment to his players, led to physical and emotional stress. At various points in his career, Meyer’s health and well-being became a matter of concern, culminating in his decision to step down from Florida in 2010 for health reasons.
At Ohio State, Meyer’s health issues resurfaced, with him citing “severe headaches” and a condition known as a “cyst” on his brain. These health struggles were intertwined with the pressures of coaching at the highest level, where each loss and missed opportunity was met with harsh criticism from fans and media alike. Meyer’s decision to step down as head coach of the Buckeyes for a brief period in 2018—citing both health and personal reasons—was seen as a reflection of the immense strain the job had placed on him over the years.
In addition to the health issues, Meyer’s tenure at Ohio State was marked by controversies that would shape his legacy. One of the most notable incidents was the handling of domestic violence allegations against former assistant coach Zach Smith. Meyer faced significant criticism for his decision to keep Smith on staff after allegations surfaced, leading to a suspension in 2018. The scandal clouded what was otherwise an exceptional coaching career and tarnished Meyer’s image to some degree. It was a moment that forced Meyer to confront not just the demands of his coaching role, but also the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with it.
The personal toll was equally significant. Meyer’s intense focus on football often meant sacrificing time with his family. Like many coaches at the highest levels, he poured countless hours into recruiting, game preparation, and strategizing. This often meant missing out on important family moments and personal time. Meyer’s wife, Shelley, and their children saw the impact of this all-consuming lifestyle. Though Meyer has expressed deep love and appreciation for his family, the strain of balancing the demands of coaching with family life was a source of internal conflict.
The Debt to Be Paid
Given all the successes, personal struggles, and controversies that marked Meyer’s career, there is a debt that he must address—a debt that extends beyond the football field. This debt, as mentioned, is not financial; rather, it is an emotional and psychological one. Meyer’s tenure at Ohio State, while brilliant, came at a great cost to his well-being, his family, and his own personal integrity. It is a debt he must pay not by additional accolades, but through personal reconciliation and healing.
First and foremost, Meyer owes himself the debt of health and balance. After years of working in one of the most stressful jobs in sports, Meyer must now take time to focus on his own well-being—physically, emotionally, and mentally. He is no longer the head coach at Ohio State, but that does not mean the need for recovery and reflection is any less important. Meyer has to come to terms with the physical toll his coaching career exacted on him. The headaches, the stress-induced health issues, and the pressure of constant scrutiny are all part of the debt he must pay by investing in his health and seeking out a balanced life.
Additionally, Meyer must reckon with the ethical and moral decisions he made during his career. The scandal involving Zach Smith cast a long shadow over Meyer’s legacy. While Meyer has apologized for his actions and expressed regret, the lingering impact of that situation is something he will have to confront throughout the rest of his life. Paying this debt requires him to not only take responsibility for past mistakes but also to continue demonstrating integrity in all future endeavors.
Finally, Meyer must reconcile with the relationships that were strained by his coaching career. His focus on football often came at the expense of time with his family and friends. Now, as a retired coach, he must work to rebuild those bonds, ensuring that the relationships he once neglected are nurtured and strengthened. It is a debt owed not just to his family, but to the people who supported him through his highs and lows.
A New Chapter
Though the debt Meyer faces is significant, it is not an insurmountable one. He has already taken steps to address his health and personal life by stepping away from coaching and focusing on family and personal growth. Meyer has transitioned into a new role as an analyst and commentator, where he can still share his expertise with fans and media while avoiding the pressures of being a head coach. This shift represents a new chapter in Meyer’s life—one where he can contribute to the sport from a different angle while giving himself the space to heal and grow.
Urban Meyer’s legacy at Ohio State is undeniable. He brought the program to unprecedented heights, won a national championship, and shaped the careers of countless young men. However, the journey he embarked upon has not been without sacrifice. The debt he faces is one of self-care, reconciliation, and personal growth. As Meyer continues to navigate this new phase of his life, he has the opportunity to repay that debt not just to himself but to the people and program that helped him build one of the most successful coaching careers in college football history.
