Urban Meyer refutes retirement rumors: 'I plan on coaching' Ohio State

COLUMBUS — Urban Meyer isn’t planning on going anywhere.

The Ohio State coach had never given any sort of indication that he might be considering retirement or that his health could be a factor in his future plans, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from national pundits from running wild during what has become a bizarre year for the program.

But Meyer shot all that down on Monday with four simple words and a pair of response that left no doubt about his intentions.

“I plan on coaching,” Meyer said.

At Ohio State?

“Yes. Yes.”

Urban Meyer has his focus on a November run to a possible Big Ten championship. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Meyer has appeared pained on the sideline at times this season as he continues to deal with an arachnoid cyst that has bothered him previously in his career with the Buckeyes. And that health issue combined with his three-game suspension to start the year has provided fodder for the rumor mill that he might step away after the season.

Instead, though, Meyer shot that down and tried to keep the focus on getting Ohio State ready for a November run at a Big Ten championship, starting on Saturday against Nebraska at the Horseshoe.

“The games have gotten to me for 30 years,” Meyer joked. “We’re not playing well, and I’m one of those guys, I want to help fix the issue — like all coaches do. So, I’m not sure what anguish means [in this case]. Pissed or upset? When you see some things that we’re doing that are really uncharacteristic of our teams, that might be what it looks like. I’m not sure what exactly that means.

“I’m fine. I want Ohio State to be successful in the worst way, and I’m working extremely hard to make sure that’s happening. I love Ohio State, I love our players. The issue, I don’t want people to worry about me. I want to make sure that we’re getting some things right around here. That’s what the effort is, that’s what 100 percent of the focus is on.”

That doesn’t leave any room for worrying about next season, of course.

But Meyer made it clear that he intends to be around for it when it arrives.