Urban Meyer joining ESPN as analyst

Former Florida coach Urban Meyer is joining ESPN as a college football analyst. Meyer, who won two BCS national championships at Florida, will make his debut Wednesday during ESPNU's coverage of national signing day. He will work weekly regular-season games during the season, as well as provide studio analysis on ESPN's "College Football Live" and "CollegeGameDay." "Football has played an extremely important role in my life for the past 25 years and ESPN has given me an incredible opportunity to join its world-class team and share my passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the game with fans across the country," Meyer said. Meyer resigned from Florida after the 2010 season. He served as a guest analyst for ESPN's coverage of the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game.When he resigned Dec. 8, the 46-year-old Meyer said he wanted to spend more time with his family. He insisted on a conference call his new job wouldn't get in the way of that, with minimal commitment during the offseason and travel only over the weekend in-season. "It's a great opportunity to stay around the game," he said. He and his family visited ESPN's studios in Connecticut over the holidays. Meyer, who hasn't ruled out returning to coaching someday, said he hoped he would like it. "I not only liked it, I loved it," he said. "Coach Meyer brings a fresh voice and a contemporary knowledge of the game," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president for production. "As he showed during BCS coverage, his ability to communicate the strategic aspects of the game and his incredible track record for success will serve college football fans everywhere."