Meyer signs seven-year, $14 million deal with Florida
So Notre Dame's search continues, although where it would lead was anyone's guess.
White was at the Notre Dame-Michigan basketball game in Ann Arbor on Saturday and only shook his head when asked if he was discouraged. He said he had no comment on the coaching search.
Meyer went 17-6 in two seasons at Bowling Green before being hired by Utah two years ago. He has established himself as a young coach who can turn existing talent into a winning team.
Now we'll see what he can do with one of the richest recruiting pools in the country.
"At the University of Florida, you have everything in place to make a run at the whole thing, and that was a factor," Meyer said. "I also recruited Florida for five years and I understand the type of talent that you're playing with."
Meyer's wide-open and creative offensive system should be welcomed at Florida, where Zook never satisfied fans accustomed to Spurrier's innovative scheme.
"Obviously you look at the job he's done at programs that have been less than successful," Foley said. "I think he does a great job with his players and has a tremendous work ethic."
Florida scheduled a news conference for Tuesday to introduce Meyer.
Florida went 7-4 this season, with three losses coming in the waning minutes. The Gators are scheduled to play in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31. It is unclear who will coach Florida at that bowl, but it won't be Meyer.
Utah athletic director Chris Hill confirmed that Meyer will have one last game on the Utah sideline. The Utes learn Sunday where they're headed when the Bowl Championship Series pairings are announced.
"We want (Meyer) to coach us," defensive back Bo Nagahi said. "We started the season with him and we're going to end it with him."
Coaching the Fighting Irish would have entailed high expectations and tough academic standards, which Meyer downplayed in his decision. After firing Willingham, Notre Dame immediately targeted Meyer.
He will face equally high expectations with the Gators.
Meyer said he would meet his new team next week, then return to finish his tenure at Utah.
"I'm going to have a team meeting, talk to them about behavior, and (say) 'I'll see you in January,'" he said.
