ORLANDO, Fla. (
WKMG) - While former University of Florida coach Urban Meyer is still in line to become the next coach at Ohio State in the coming days, WKMG Sports Director David Pingalore has learned from sources close to the situation that a rift between Meyer and OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith could be delaying the hiring process.
According to sources, Meyer originally sought to have Smith removed from his position as AD as a prerequisite for him accepting OSU's head coaching position.
Smith has been the AD at Ohio State in 2005 and is considered one of the most powerful men in college athletics.
According to sources close to the situation, Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee balked at Meyer's demands that Smith be out as the AD.