Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Toledo area

It was one of the worst kept secrets in college football history.

But today, it was no longer a "secret" when Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith introduced Urban Meyer as the new head football coach at the Ohio State University.

After a year away from coaching and taking a shot at broadcasting, Meyer will return to the sideline, this time in Columbus, in 2012.

"I made the decision to step away from coaching a year ago," said Meyer.  "[So I could] focus on family and determine if some day I could return to a profession that I love and realized I missed so dearly last February.

Meyer went on to say, "if it was but for the coaching position at the Ohio State University, I would not have coached this year."

Meyer brings with him two national championships he earned at Florida, one of them after blasting the Buckeyes and a history of turning bad teams into great teams.

In 2001, Meyer took over a Bowling Green State University football team that was 2-9 under Gary Blackney and went 8-3 in his first year as a head coach.

The next year BG started the season 8-0, en route to a 9-3 record, earning Meyer MAC coach of the year honors and a new job in Utah.

Now, the Ohio native is back in his home state, working at a place that he covets and if he can win and remain healthy, he'll be in Columbus for the forseeable future.

Meyer's base contract is for 6-years and $24 million but is loaded with incentives and could ultimately be worth much more.

As for interim coach Luke Fickell, Meyer said he will remain on staff but his position has not been announced.

Fickell will continue to serve as interim head coach for the Buckeyes upcoming bowl game.