Well before Urban Meyer took the job at Ohio State, during his year away from coaching, his family made him sign a family contract before he ever agreed to another coaching contract. You probably remember those headlines.
That contract, which became quite famous, contained ten things as written out by his daughter Nicki.
- My family always comes first
- I will take care of myself and maintain good health
- I will go on a trip once a year with Nicki (at minimum)
- I will not go more than 9 hours a day at the office
- I will sleep with my cell phone on silent
- I will continue to communicate daily with my kids
- I will trust God's plan and not be overanxious
- I will keep the lake house
- I will find a way to watch Nicki and Gigi play volleyball
- I will eat three meals a day
Yesterday, at his weekly radio appearance, someone called in and asked Meyer if he is still honoring that family contract that now hangs in his office. His response?
If Meyer has been able to keep up and place check marks next to each of those 10 things every day over the past couple years, and continue to have the Buckeye's playing at a high level, there's no reason that you can't do the same with your program and family.
Even though it's a few years old now, the family contract drawn up by the Meyer family should continue to serve as a cornerstone for all coaches who are looking to continue to improve their work-life balance.