Urban Meyer Retires a Winner As Buckeyes Win Coach's Finale

Following Ohio State’s 28-23 over Washington in the 105th Rose Bowl, Urban Meyer took a Gatorade bath at midfield for what could, and should, be the final time.

For a guy who says he is retiring from stress, there were triggers aplenty as the fifth-ranked Buckeyes nearly blew a 25-point lead in the fourth quarter to No. 9 Washington.

However, Ohio State was able to recover a last-minute onside kick to hold on and win the Rose Bowl to send Meyer out as a winner.

“I’ve been blessed,” Meyer said Tuesday night. “I’m blessed because of my family, (but) this team, this year, I love this group as much as any I’ve ever had … I know this is relatively young, but I started young — 17 years as a head coach, 33 years doing this. And just very fortunate, and I do believe I’m done.”

Thank you Buckeye Nation!!!!!! 🌹 The Best Damn Fans In The Land!!! pic.twitter.com/DAe3eewyT6

— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) January 2, 2019

The 54-year-old retires as one of college football’s greatest coaches as he went 187-32 with three national championships (two at Florida and one at Ohio State) in 17 years as a head coach.

Despite the win, Meyer does leave behind somewhat of a complicated legacy and was suspended for the first three games of the season due to his handling of domestic abuse allegations made against a former assistant coach.

“So as scarlet-and-gray confetti covered Meyer while thousands of Buckeyes fans chanted his name Tuesday night, the moment felt somewhat tainted,” according to ESPN. “It was a celebration for players and fans to enjoy. There were so many extraordinary coaching accomplishments to celebrate, but Meyer’s questionable decisions away from the field are an undeniable part of his legacy.”

That didn’t stop the congratulations for Meyer from rolling in though.

@OSUCoachMeyer Congrats my friend!! Way to go out The only way that feels right and that’s on Top with a W! It was a pleasure to watch you lead this program throughout the years and I wish you nothing but happiness and health in the nearest future HOFer‼️🙏🏾👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 2, 2019

12-0, 12-2, 14-1, 12-1, 11-2, 12-2, 13-1 …86-9.

Big 10 Champs 2014, ’16, ’17.

Sugar Bowl Champs, Fiesta Bowl Champs, Cotton Bowl Champs, Rose Bowl Champs.

2014 National Champs.

Thank you, @OSUCoachMeyer.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 2, 2019

Best winning percentages, college football coaches (UPDATED):

1. Knute Rockne, ND, .881

2. Frank Leahy, ND & BC, .864

3. Doyt Perry, Bowling Green, .855

4. Urban Meyer, Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, Ohio State, .854

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 2, 2019