Net Worth Ranker
What Is Urban Meyer’s Net Worth?
Urban Meyer, a celebrated former American college football coach, has cultivated a substantial net worth estimated at $35 million. This financial standing reflects his accomplishments and earnings throughout his coaching career, complemented by ventures in sports analysis and related activities.
Urban Meyer’s Coaching Career and Earnings
Meyer’s coaching journey encompassed tenures at various institutions, including Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State. Each position contributed significantly to his financial portfolio through salaries and performance-based incentives. He currently earns money while on the Ohio State payroll as an Assistant Athletics Director of Athletics Initiatives and Relations.
Bowling Green Falcons (2001-2002): While specific salary figures from his early coaching days at Bowling Green are not publicly detailed, his success in transforming the team into a winning program earned him recognition and set the stage for higher-paying positions. He was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year.
Utah Utes (2003-2004): At Utah, Meyer’s salary was significantly higher than Bowling Green’s. The exact figures are not publicly available, but it was enough to attract him away from Bowling Green, and his success at Utah, including winning the Mountain West Conference and the Fiesta Bowl, enhanced his market value substantially.
Florida Gators (2005-2010): In 2005, Meyer accepted a seven-year, $14 million contract with the University of Florida. This initial contract translated to an annual salary of $2 million. Meyer later signed an extension that increased his annual earnings to $3.25 million, reflecting his on-field success and the program’s enhanced revenue generation. In 2009, Meyer signed a six-year, $24-million extension with the University of Florida, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the world.
Ohio State Buckeyes (2012-2018): Meyer’s peak earning years came during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes. At the zenith of his coaching career, Meyer commanded an annual salary of $7.6 million. Over his tenure at Ohio State, Meyer accumulated approximately $40 million in earnings, underscoring his impact on the program and the university’s financial commitment to retaining his services.
Retirement and Lost Wages (2018): Urban Meyer’s retirement from coaching in 2018 was preceded by a controversial period. During this time, he incurred $570,000 in lost wages due to a three-game suspension. The suspension stemmed from his handling of allegations of spousal abuse involving Zach Smith, a member of his coaching staff. An investigation revealed that Meyer had prior knowledge of Smith’s domestic issues but failed to take adequate disciplinary action. Ohio State faced a challenging situation, as terminating Meyer’s contract would have obligated them to pay him an additional $38 million. Given that he had already served a three-game suspension, dismissing him would have been viewed as unwarranted. Ultimately, Meyer’s decision to retire alleviated the financial burden for the university, allowing both parties to conclude the agreement without further financial obligations.
Additional Income Streams
Beyond his coaching salaries, Meyer has diversified his income streams through various avenues, including sports analysis and media appearances. His role as a sports analyst for Fox, particularly on the show “Big Noon Kickoff,” has provided a platform for earning additional income. While the exact figures for his media earnings are not publicly disclosed, such positions typically command substantial compensation, further contributing to his overall net worth.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 10, 1964, in Toledo, Ohio, Urban Frank Meyer III’s early life experiences laid the foundation for his future success. Raised in Ashtabula, Ohio, he graduated from high school in 1982. Meyer pursued higher education at the University of Cincinnati, where he played defensive back and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1986. He furthered his academic pursuits at Ohio State University, obtaining a master’s degree in sports administration in 1988. His educational background provided him with a comprehensive understanding of both the psychological and administrative aspects of sports.
Early Career
Meyer’s coaching career began while he was studying at university. In 1985, he spent one season at Saint Xavier High School as a defensive back coach, interning under Steve Rasso. After leaving university, he was hired as a graduate assistant coach for the tight ends at Ohio State. This time, he studied under head coach Earle Bruce. Over the next 13 years, Meyer worked as an assistant coach for a number of universities, including Illinois State, Colorado State, and Notre Dame. During this period, he coached many future football stars, including David Givens. His first head coaching position came in 2011 when Urban accepted an offer from Bowling Green.
Coaching Style
While coaching for Bowling Green, he developed a signature coaching style that relied heavily on the performance of quarterbacks like Josh Harris. In 2003, he accepted the role of head coach at the University of Utah. After his first season, Meyer was named the Mountain West Conference’s Coach of the Year, and the Utes won the conference championship. During this period, Meyer further refined his unique offensive system, which involved short pass routes, a shotgun formation, and motion in the backfield. During his time in Utah, Meyer won the Fiesta Bowl. He also helped Alex Smith gain attention as a quarterback, and he was considered a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft as a result.
Achievements as a Coach
Meyer’s coaching accolades include winning two BCS National Championship Games (2007 and 2009). In 2009, he held the highest winning percentage among all active coaches, a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to motivate his teams. In 2014, he led the Buckeyes to their first Big Ten Conference title, solidifying his legacy at Ohio State. Meyer’s leadership helped the Buckeyes go undefeated in their first season, and in 2014 they won the Big Ten Football Championship Game. He also helped the Buckeyes win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Real Estate
In 2012, Urban Meyer acquired a residence in Ohio valued at $1.45 million. This seven-bedroom property features an outdoor pool and is situated within a gated community, conveniently located near the seventh green of a local golf course. While specific details regarding additional real estate holdings are not publicly accessible, it is plausible that Meyer has diversified his investment portfolio to include other properties, further augmenting his net worth. The house is located in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus.
Personal Life and Public Image
Meyer’s personal life and public image have played a role in shaping his career and financial opportunities. While specific details about his daily routines and personal habits are not extensively documented in the public domain, his leadership style, coaching philosophy, and interactions with players and staff have been subject to public scrutiny. The controversies surrounding his tenure at Florida, particularly the off-field behavior of some players, raised concerns about the culture he fostered within the program. Similarly, the Zach Smith spousal abuse allegations during his time at Ohio State tarnished his reputation and led to a suspension. Despite these challenges, Meyer remains a prominent figure in the college football landscape, with a dedicated following and ongoing opportunities in media and related ventures.
Salaries Overview
In 2005, Meyer assumed the role of head coach for the University of Florida’s football team, securing a seven-year contract valued at $14 million. This move translated to an annual salary of $2 million. Over time, Meyer’s compensation increased as a result of extensions and performance-based incentives. He eventually signed an extension that elevated his annual earnings to $3.25 million. In 2009, he further solidified his financial standing by signing a six-year, $24-million extension with the University of Florida, positioning him among the highest-paid coaches globally.
At the pinnacle of his coaching career, Meyer garnered an annual salary of $7.6 million while leading the Ohio State Buckeyes. During his tenure at Ohio State, his cumulative earnings amounted to approximately $40 million. Meyer’s trajectory in college football coaching reflected his consistent success in winning games and attracting key talent.
