Ohio State Football: Urban Meyer’s days may be numbered

After Brett McMurphy released a report on Wednesday about Urban Meyer’s role in the Zach Smith situation, it seems like the Ohio State coach may be done.

The six words no college football coach ever wants to hear from an employer: “We’re placing you on paid leave.”

Urban Meyer heard those unfortunate words on Wednesday afternoon when college football insider Brett McMurphy broke the news, via his Facebook page, that the Ohio State head coach may have known about Zach Smith’s — his now-former wide receivers coach — domestic abuse past, and lied about it.

The McMurphy report revealed text messages from Smith’s ex-wife and Shelley Meyer, Urban’s wife, where the two talked about the situation back in 2015. Shelley said she would have to speak to Urban about the matter and that she wanted it resolved.

At Big Ten Media Days this past week, Meyer claimed that he knew nothing about Smith’s previous domestic violence issues.

Meyer and McMurphy’s words are conflicting, but the latter’s report seems to be enough to cost the former his job as Ohio State’s head coach.

Later on Wednesday, the school put him on paid leave, showing that the athletic department isn’t ready to accept more scrutiny for employing a dishonest head coach — potentially. If you remember, Jim Tressel was let go for much less.

This move by the school made a statement. The athletic department showed that it’s not ready to prioritize winning over the safety of those around the program. If Meyer knew about Smith and did nothing, he put his players in danger.

Meyer’s days in Columbus may be numbered, whether or not he knew back in 2015. The Buckeyes are in limbo ahead of the 2018 season, and this paid leave makes Meyer’s future look bleak.