Florida coach Urban Meyer resigns

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida football coach Urban Meyer is stepping down after the Gators appearance in the Outback Bowl.

The 46-year-old Meyer led Florida to two national titles but began to show the strain of his high-profile job last season when he briefly quit in December but then returned the next day. He cited health concerns last year when he quit. He had been hospitalized with chest pains after the Gators lost to Alabama in last season's Southeastern Conference championship game.

This time he did not mention his health being an issue.

"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. The decision to step down was a difficult one," he said in a statement released by the school today.

Meyer's 10-year head coaching career began at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.