The 2002 Bowling Green Football Coaching Tree Is Amazing

Ten years ago I didn't appreciate it at the time. I just knew they were a neat team.

But the 2002 Bowling Green State University Falcons made a college football nation dream again with an 8-0 start. Never you mind what happened their final four games. What's important is that Josh Harris gave us all hope and scads of touchdowns. And over time that coaching staff produced Urban Meyer and three head coaches at the FBS level, three of them at AQ conference schools, and part of multiple national championship teams.

Seriously, look at this freaking coaching tree. You're very welcome, SEC. Maybe you'll return the favor someday.

2002 BGSU head coach: Urban Meyer
Now in 2012: Head coach, Ohio State (and Utah and Florida)

2002 BGSU offensive coordinator: Gregg Brandon
Now in 2012: Offensive coordinator, Wyoming (and former BGSU head coach)

2002 BGSU defensive coordinator: Tim Beckman
Now in 2012: Head coach, Illinois (and previously at Toledo)

2002 BGSU running backs/special teams coach: Tommy Thigpen
Now in 2012: Safeties coach, Auburn

2002 BGSU linebackers coach: John Bowers
Now in 2012: Safeties coach, Bothell High School, Washington (OK, probably the least glamorous landing spot of them all)

2002 BGSU wide receivers coach: Billy Gonzales
Now in 2012: Receivers coach/co-OC, Illinois

2002 BGSU tackles/tight ends coach: John Hevesy
Now in 2012: Offensive line/run game coordinator, Mississippi State

2002 BGSU quarterbacks coach: Dan Mullen
Now in 2012: Head coach, Mississippi State

2002 BGSU guards/centers coach: Greg Studrawa
Now in 2012: Offensive coordinator, LSU (and the lone BGSU graduate of this group)

2002 BGSU defensive line coach: Mike Ward
Now in 2012: defensive run coordinator, Toledo and now linebackers coach, Illinois