Courtney Meyer, head football coach at Concordia University, Nebraska will end his coaching duties at the completion of 2008 season. Coach Meyer made the announcement Oct. 21 after talking with current players and coaches earlier in the week.
"For nearly two decades, coach Meyer has led the Bulldog football program," said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Concordia's president. "His focus on the 'double win' - winning on the field and in life as a Christian - has inspired student athletes, coaching colleagues, alumni and our campus community."
Meyer has been a part of Bulldog football for 31 years: four as a player, eight as an assistant coach and 19 as the head coach. He coached the Bulldogs from 1977 to 1984 as the defensive coordinator before taking a head coaching job at Concordia University Wisconsin. He returned to Concordia University, Nebraska in 1990 as the head coach.
Meyer was twice distinguished as a conference coach of the year. He earned the honor first in 1999 as the Nebraska-Iowa Athletic Conference co-coach of the year after Concordia's first winning season in more than 12 years. He was named the Great Plains Athletic Conference coach of the year in 2001 when the Bulldogs went 10-2, finished as GPAC co-champions and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs. Meyer also served as the president of the NAIA Football Coaches Association in 2000.
"Coaching for me has been a ministry," said Meyer. "It is time for someone else to assume this position of influence. Concordia University has been very good to me in giving me this opportunity. I will treasure the relationships I have shared with young men and look forward to continued contact with them. I will do everything I can to support the university and the football program as it moves into an exciting new phase. Coaching is all consuming - my time to step aside is now, and I am at peace with it."
"He has found great joy in doing that which is most important - touching the hearts and lives of young men with the love of Jesus Christ," said Friedrich. "Coach Meyer has modeled service and leadership on and off the field. His enthusiasm for life, living, learning and Bulldog football will be missed greatly. We wish him God's richest blessings as he retires and transitions to another pace and phase of life."
Coach Meyer noted that the decision to retire came in mid-July and is not related to the current season.
The search for a replacement will begin immediately.
Update: A slideshow tribute from players that was shared at the postseason football banquet is available for viewing, below: