As rumors began to bubble to the surface that this season could be Urban Meyer’s final season as Ohio State’s head football coach, it was reasonable to think that such a departure would be a direct result of what happened this summer, when Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave and ultimately suspended three games following an investigation into how he handled domestic violence allegations and other misconduct against former assistant coach Zach Smith.
While that played a part in the decision Meyer made this week, however, he said Tuesday that he has actually been contemplating retirement for more than a year.