Florida coach Urban Meyer, who has led the Gators to two national championships in three years, has been named "Coach of the Decade'' by Sporting News.

Meyer will be recognized in the new issue of the magazine as part of a 14-page tribute dedicated to the athletes, coaches and teams of the 2000's. Meyer is 86-17 combined at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida.

QB Tim Tebow told the magazine this about his coach: "It goes way beyond what he does as a coach and how he wins championships. The real key is how he relates to people, how he reaches players and convinces them to want to, need to, perform at their highest level. Guys aren't afraid to compete here, to rise to performing at the highest level. To expect it. When players expect it, they start to demand it of themselves and their teammates. That's how you become a team, how championships are won.''

Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, who went 37-2 as a starter and won or shared two national championships, is SN's college football player of the decade.

The magazine will be available at Barnes & Noble and Hudson stores this week.