Sports

Urban Meyer coached his last game at Ohio State on Jan. 1, 2019, in the Rose Bowl. Now he's the coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. (MARVIN FONG/The Plain Dealer/TNS)

Urban Meyer coached his last game at Ohio State on Jan. 1, 2019, in the Rose Bowl. Now he's the coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. (MARVIN FONG/The Plain Dealer/TNS)

COMMENTARY: Meyer faces tough adjustment heading to NFL

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, January 15, 2021
Before the good folks in Jacksonville get too fired up about the arrival of Urban Meyer, let’s review a few cautionary tales. Like Nick Saban. And Steve Spurrier. And perhaps the biggest flop of all when it comes to college coaches going pro, Bobby Petrino.
Former Florida head coach Urban Meyer talks to reporters after practice on Jan. 8, 2007, ahead of the BCS Championship game against Ohio State in Scottsdale, Ariz. Meyer agreed to become the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. (AP FILE PHOTO)

Former Florida head coach Urban Meyer talks to reporters after practice on Jan. 8, 2007, ahead of the BCS Championship game against Ohio State in Scottsdale, Ariz. Meyer agreed to become the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. (AP FILE PHOTO)

NFL: Meyer believes Jacksonville 'is the place' he can win in the pros

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, January 15, 2021
JACKSONVILLE — Urban Meyer first started thinking about the NFL about a decade ago. He was getting phone calls from team owners. He was intrigued by the notion of testing his coaching skills at football’s highest level. He was ready to make the jump.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is reportedly near a deal to become the Jacksonville Jaguars new coach. (MIKE MULHOLLAND/TNS)

Former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is reportedly near a deal to become the Jacksonville Jaguars new coach. (MIKE MULHOLLAND/TNS)

NFL: Urban Meyer agrees to return to coaching with Jaguars

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, January 14, 2021
JACKSONVILLE — Urban Meyer has won everywhere he’s coached. Small colleges. Big-time programs. He’s been a difference maker at each stop during his storied career. He’s ready to try something new: the NFL.
Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen walks on the field during pregame warmups prior to facing the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga. (KEVIN C. COX/Getty Images/TNS)

Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen walks on the field during pregame warmups prior to facing the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga. (KEVIN C. COX/Getty Images/TNS)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida rebuilds D-line by adding transfers Newkirk, Shelton

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, January 14, 2021
GAINESVILLE — Florida is rebuilding its defensive line with help from the transfer portal. The Gators officially welcomed former Auburn defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk to the program Thursday, a little more than a week after landing ex-Penn State defensive tackle Antonio Shelton.
Columbia guard Camille Perry drives past Gainesville guard Layla Canales on Wednesday night. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia guard Camille Perry drives past Gainesville guard Layla Canales on Wednesday night. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Paxton records double-double & Perry returns to help Columbia hold off Gainesville

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Leyah Houston was a handful for Columbia. But Gainesville couldn’t contain Na’Haviya Paxton either. Paxton recorded a double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds to help Columbia hold off Gainesville 66-61 at home Wednesday night despite a huge night from Houston.
Columbia coach Steve Faulkner listens to senior Dante Brown during a second-half huddle Tuesday night. (SCOTT LAPEER/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia coach Steve Faulkner listens to senior Dante Brown during a second-half huddle Tuesday night. (SCOTT LAPEER/Special to the Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia routs Gainesville for fifth straight win

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
GAINESVILLE — Suffocating pressure and dizzying speed helped Columbia build a quick lead Tuesday night in boys basketball, as the Tigers ran shorthanded Gainesville ragged for a 61-42 win at the Purple Palace.