DALLAS, Texas – They will be forever linked in Buckeye football lore: The coach who took his team to a national championship when the odds seemed to be against them and the third-string quarterback who stepped in and called the signals during the three biggest games of the season. The next day, they both answered questions about whether they are headed to the NFL.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and sophomore Cardale Jones both fielded reporters’ questions about their futures and came up with pretty much the same answer: Not yet.
The championship trophy at his side a few hours after leading the Buckeyes (14-1) to a 42-20 win over Oregon in the final game, Meyer was asked if he would ever consider moving to the pros.
“Not right now. I’ve got a commitment to Ohio State and these players. I love what I’m doing. Not right now,” was his answer.
Meyer has a coaching record of 142-26 in stints at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and Ohio State. He won two national titles at Florida and, with the victory Monday night, becomes only the second coach to win national titles at different schools. The other is Nick Saban.
Jones and Meyer both said they would talk about the sophomore quarterback’s future later, though there is not much time since the deadline for Jones to declare for the draft is Thursday.
Jones says it is “odd” to be facing this decision.
“In my personal opinion, I’m not ready for that level yet,” he said. “Like coach Meyer said this is a conversation me and him are going to have later down the road.
After stepping in for the injured J.T. Barrett, the 22-year-old helped the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Championship Game, the Sugar Bowl and the national championship game.
Jones is eligible for early entry to the NFL draft.
The 250-pound Cleveland native was 16 for 23 for 242 yards with a touchdown pass and a touchdown run against the Ducks.