Post-Urban renewal

Utah football's Urban renewal may have come to an end.

University of Utah head coach Urban Meyer, who has led the Utes to consecutive Mountain West Conference championships and a likely spot in next month's Bowl Championship Series, confirmed Saturday that he has accepted an offer from the University of Florida.

And now speculation is rife that his assistants, offensive coordinator Mike Sanford and defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham, are also likely headed to other campuses — as head coaches. Sanford, KLAS-TV in Las Vegas reported Saturday, will accept the job at UNLV today. BYU is courting Whittingham.

Meyer signed a seven-year contract worth $14 million, according to various media reports. He'll travel to Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday to meet his new team and attend a press conference.

That's the bad news for Ute fans.

The good news? Meyer will coach the fifth-ranked Utes (11-0) in the Bowl Championship Series next month. They're expecting an invitation to the Fiesta Bowl when the final BCS standings are released at 3 p.m. today.

It'll cap a remarkable two-year stint for Meyer, who has won 21 of 23 games at Utah. Attendance at Rice-Eccles Stadium has never been higher and the program has gained national exposure from extensive media coverage. The Utes are in position to become the first team from a non-BCS conference to break into an exclusive system created in 1998 and designed to place top teams in financially lucrative bowl games. This season's payday for the Utes and their Mountain West Conference is expected to exceed $14 million.

At Florida, where he'll be reunited with former University of Utah president Bernie Machen, Meyer takes over a program with the resources to compete for inclusion on an annual basis.

Meyer informed the Utes of his decision before practice Saturday morning at the Spence Eccles Field House.

"I don't have any hard feelings. I think coach deserves it," said junior defensive lineman Steve Fifita. "He came in and he did a lot for us over here. Even though he's going to leave, he put down a good foundation down for us. I think we're going to be all right. I'm glad for him."

"It's a great opportunity for him and one he's earned," said Whittingham. "Shoot, financially, what more can you say? He'll be able to take care of his family for three lifetimes."

What about the future of Utah football? Will Meyer's departure bring the Utes, who have won 15 consecutive games over two seasons, back to earth?