(Image Source: Orlando Sentinel)

BY KAVEH KAGHAZI

Is there a new era brewing in Columbus?

WKMG in Orlando reports former University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer will accept the head coaching job at Ohio State.

Meyer denies the report, but NFL Network analyst Charles Davis tells CBS Sports this is all but a done deal.

“I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t happen. I just think it’s too great an opportunity. I think that Ohio State needs the type of splash that Urban Meyer can provide to start moving them forward again and feeling good about themselves.”

The report says Meyer will accept a seven-year, 40 million dollar contract with the Buckeyes as early as next week. But with looming NCAA sanctions at Ohio State, is Urban the right fit now? Well, ESPN’s Joe Schad says bravo to the Buckeyes for this hire.

“He loves Big 10 football and there’s no question Ohio State would crawl over glass to get an opportunity to hire a coach, who, at a young age--he’s still a young man, has won two national championships, produced a Heisman trophy winner and the first overall draft pick in the NFL.”

Meyer left the University of Florida last year citing health issues and the need to spend more time with his family. But just a year later, he is back in the coaching carousel, first in line to accept one of the biggest jobs in college football. A writer from the Los Angeles Times says Meyer needs to get his priorities straight.

“I still can’t figure out why Urban Meyer left Florida. To spend more time with his family? Interesting concept. Never heard that one before. So does that mean if he chooses to return to college football that he wanted less time with his family?”

The final word will likely come after this weekend’s Ohio State-Michigan game. Meyer’s reputation as a winner will follow him to Columbus, if he takes the job. A writer from Fox Sports says if Meyer goes to Ohio State, expectations will be at an all-time high.

“...multiple national titles, probably starting next season. He'd be expected to immediately bring in the best recruits, hire the best assistant coaches, totally repair a Stone-Age offense and shake millions of hands while simultaneously kissing babies.”