JACKSONVILLE – Jeremy Foley knows successful coaches.
He knows Urban Meyer, too – very well – and Foley said there are many reasons the Jaguars' new head coach is among the most successful football coaches at any level in recent memory.
Among those reasons is a competitiveness that defines the Jaguars' new head coach.
"I know who he is, and I know what makes him churn," Foley said. "I know competing is right at the top of the list."
Foley, athletic director at the University of Florida from 1992-2016, worked closely with Meyer when Meyer coached the Gators to two national titles during his tenure at the school, 2005-2010. Foley recently joined jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser on the O-Zone Podcast to discuss Meyer, who on January 14 because the sixth coach in the Jaguars' 27-year history.
"He's in a perfect place for him," Foley said. "As I've said often since he took the job in Jacksonville: 'Don't bet against Urban Meyer, because he has won wherever he has been.'''
Added Foley, "Urban has 'It.' He has the 'it' factor. Incredible leaders, coaches, soldiers, CEOs – people who have incredible success – they have 'it.' They walk into the room and you know, 'That's the guy.' He's confident in what he does. People are drawn to him.
"People buy into him. He's good at manufacturing a culture that leads to success."
Foley on the podcast discussed multiple topics regarding Meyer, including Meyer's oft-discussed troubles handling losing – and how he might adjust in that regard to professional football.
"He has absolutely the ability to self-evaluate," Foley said. "People talk about, 'Can Urban handle losing five or six games?' If you go 11-5 in the NFL, you've had a heck of a year. Urban understands. He will adapt. He's smart enough to adapt.
"He has a plan to win. His plan to win in college will be different than his plan to win in the NFL. There are some similarities, but not overreacting to a loss in the NFL – he will evolve and figure that out."
Foley also discussed Meyer's reputation for tireless work and focus – and how those traits will translate to the Jaguars and the NFL.
"When he was here, his office was right next to mine," Foley said. "I know what he stood for. Was he perfect? No. There are no perfect people. … But his heart was in the right place. This I do know: He'll put his heart and soul into what he's doing in Jacksonville.
"Relentless effort doesn't even describe what he'll do to try to make that franchise a winner. It's a perfect opportunity for him."
To hear more from Foley on Meyer, please click here.
