The first thing Urban Meyer and Tim Beckman found out they had in common was a roommate.

Beckman's friend Bill Davis, who now coaches with the Browns, was Meyer's college roommate at Cincinnati. Beyond having close ties to the best man at Meyer's wedding, Beckman discovered they shared a common bond with their philosophies in football and life.

"It's one of those things, the uniqueness of college football," said Beckman, who attended Kentucky. "Two friends who compete against each other. ... He's considered a close friend. The relationship built when I was with him for two football seasons."