Reports: Meyer accepts Florida job

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Utah coach Urban Meyer accepted an offer Friday to become the coach at Florida, according to media reports.

The Gators, turned down by Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan three years ago before settling on Ron Zook, lured Meyer away from his "dream job."

Meyer snubbed Notre Dame and agreed to a seven-year, $14 million deal with Florida, according to The Gainesville Sun.

The expected hiring was first reported by The Times-Union in Jacksonville, Fla.

A university spokesman, however, denied the reports and said the coaching search would not be completed until at least Monday.

"It looks like we're not going to know anything until next week," UF spokesman Steve Orlando said. "The coaching search goes on."

Meyer met with Notre Dame officials in Salt Lake City on Thursday. The Fighting Irish fired Tyrone Willingham on Tuesday, and Meyer, a former Notre Dame assistant, became the immediate front-runner for that job.

Messages left by The Associated Press on Friday at Meyer's office and the office of Utah athletic director Chris Hill were not immediately returned.

Meyer has led the Utes to an 11-0 record this season and a likely spot in the Bowl Championship Series.