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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Urban Meyer shocked college football Saturday by resigning as Florida’s coach after five seasons and two national titles because of health concerns that came to light when he suffered chest pains following the Southeastern Conference championship game.The 45-year-old Meyer will coach his final game at the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on New Year’s Day.

His 56-10 career mark at No. 5 Florida includes a 32-8 mark in league play and a school-record 22-game winning streak snapped earlier this month against Alabama in the SEC title game Dec. 5.

“I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,” Meyer said in a statement. “I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.”

Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family.

Meyer will hold a news conference in New Orleans today.

“He leaves a lasting legacy on the field, in the classroom and in the Gainesville community,” Machen said. “I am saddened that Urban is stepping down, but I have deep respect for his decision.”

Although reports quickly surfaced that Meyer was suffering from, among other things, a stroke and a defective heart muscle, a person close to Meyer said they were false. The person spoke on condition of anonymity out of respect for Meyer’s privacy.

“He just had a wake-up call,” the person said. “He got scared and realized he can’t do it anymore. His tank is empty.”

Last month, Sports Illustrated chronicled Meyer’s coaching career and reported that he suffered from persistent headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst that becomes inflamed by stress, rage and excitement. Meyer told the magazine that since the diagnosis in the early 2000s he has tried to stay composed during games.

News of Meyer’s retirement stunned his peers.

“He is a first-class coach, and the success he’s had is unmatched in our profession, especially over the last five years at Florida,” Alabama’s Nick Saban said. “We hope he is able to regain his health and have the opportunity to coach again in the future. Urban Meyer is a great person as well as a great coach, and the game of college football is better with him as a part of it.”

A tireless recruiter and creative motivator, Meyer came to Florida from Utah in fall 2004 amid speculation he would end up at Notre Dame. Meyer brought most of his staff with him — some of whom worked with him at Bowling Green (2001-02) and Utah (2003-04). Together, they restored the program to national prominence two years later with the school’s second national championship.

Florida football coach Urban Meyer resigns