Meyer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After the worst season of his career Urban Meyer is stepping down at Florida, giving up one of the premier jobs in college football for the second time.

The 46-year-old led Florida to two national titles but began to show the strain of his high-profile job when he briefly resigned last December, citing health concerns, but returned the next day.

He had been hospitalized with chest pains after the Gators lost to Alabama in last season’s Southeastern Conference championship game.

“At this time in my life, however, I fully grasp the sacrifices my 24/7 profession has demanded of me, and I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field,” he said in a statement released by the school Wednesday.

In his second season in Gainesville, Meyer led the Gators’ to a national championship. Two seasons later he won another.