Irish pursue Urban renewal

SALT LAKE CITY — Notre Dame began its pursuit of Utah’s Urban Meyer, spending several hours in town Thursday to meet with him about becoming the coach of college football’s most glamorous program.

A private jet with the Notre Dame logo on its tail carrying athletic director Kevin White and other school officials landed in Salt Lake City around 5 p.m. They were taken in a sport-utility vehicle to a downtown hotel.

It was not clear where Meyer met to discuss the opening created by Tuesday’s firing of Tyrone Willingham.

The Notre Dame party returned to the airport, in the big, black SUV with tinted windows, went through a security gate and boarded the small jet without comment. Meyer didn’t appear to be with the Notre Dame officials when they boarded and he did not immediately return a cell phone call for comment.

It was no surprise Notre Dame was coming after Meyer so quickly.

“I’m sure they’re going to be after him,” Utah quarterback Alex Smith said. “They’d be dumb if they didn’t. Who wouldn’t want him?”

Earlier in the day, Meyer would not directly comment on reports that the Fighting Irish were courting him, but players said their coach acknowledged that Notre Dame and other schools were interested.

“It was nice to hear from him and we appreciate it. Whatever happens with him, we’re behind him,” defensive back Bo Nagahi said. “He’s a great coach and he deserves what he’s getting.”

After practice at the Utes’ new indoor facility, Meyer said he plans to coach Utah in its bowl game even if he takes another job. The Utes are all but set to become the first team from a mid-major conference to crack the Bowl Championship Series.