Bowling Green gave Urban Meyer his first head coaching opportunity in 2001, a decision that paid off tremendously well for both sides. Meyer guided the Falcons to a 17–6 record over two seasons, parlaying it to the job at Utah.

It was practically spring time when Dell McGee left for Georgia State to take over for Shawn Elliott. George admitted the timing to leave Tennessee State for Bowling Green was not ideal, but the opportunity for the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner out of Ohio State was simply too good to pass up.