Cris Carter is close with Urban Meyer, and because he spoke to the team in recent days in Indianapolis and was around the Ohio State program, the news of Meyer’s retirement was not a surprise.

But Carter explained on “First Things First” that he was concerned about Meyer’s stress level, and his health, and wondered if he’d have to prepare for a funeral for his friend.

But Meyer leaves the Ohio State program is very capable hands, Carter said, as offensive coordinator Ryan Day, who will take over for Meyer, stands in a class by himself in terms of Meyer’s offensive coordinators.

“Urban thinks he’s the best offensive coordinator he’s ever had,” Carter said. “Now he’s got three or four guys out there. Dan Mullen, Tom Herman, these guys are running Florida, Texas. He said Ryan Day’s even better than them. You can see the way he runs his offense, it’s definitely far more creative. You see him develop Dwayne Haskins in a very, very special way.”

That will likely draw a reaction from Texas and Florida, but especially in Gainesville where Mullen was an assistant from 2005-2008, a time that Florida won two national titles.

Carter added that Meyer fulfilled a dream to coach at Ohio State, and he’s had a tremendous impact on young people. He said that impact will continue going forward.

“I don’t believe he’s done in that arena,” Carter said. “I believe that part right there, his voice, it should be out there somewhere. So I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do in retirement.”