The Tim Brewster Era with the Gophers football program is known for being somewhere between forgettable and regrettable. Minnesota did manage to go to two bowl games during his tenure from 2007-10, the last season ending with Brewster being fired midway through the year.

Since then, the Gophers' fortunes have improved greatly under Jerry Kill and his staff. Interestingly, though, the two programs Brewster has been a part of since leaving here have also thrived. Here's a look at how Brewster leaving Minnesota has impacted three teams for the better:

GOPHERS

There's no arguing this point: the Gophers are on the most solid footing they have enjoyed since the Glen Mason days, and they have the potential under Kill to exceed what Mason accomplished.

Consecutive victories over Michigan and Northwestern have re-established this team's identity: very good on defense, sound in the running game and — this is key — able to throw enough to win. That, of course, raises an interesting question: Are they good enough to not just join the discussion as a solid Big Ten team but instead legitimately compete for a conference title?

The schedule certainly breaks that way and allows one to dream a little. Without putting wins in the bank, you look at the next two (home against Purdue and at Illinois) and think it is very possible the Gophers will be 4-0 heading into a huge home game against Iowa (which also could be 4-0 in conference play at the time). Winning the Big Ten West won't be easy since the schedule stiffens late, but it's not as crazy as some might think.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

After taking a year off from coaching and working as a sideline reporter for Fox Sports, Brewster landed a job in 2012 as wide receivers coach at Mississippi State. Though he was only there for a year, Brewster was lauded locally for the thing he does best — recruiting — in his season with the Bulldogs. It's hard to say what credit he deserves for it, but you have probably noticed Mississippi State is ranked No. 1 in the country right now.

FLORIDA STATE

Brewster has spent the past two seasons as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Florida State. He was hailed earlier this year as a top-10 national recruiter by ESPN. The Seminoles won the BCS title his first year there and are ranked No. 2 in the country this season — just behind his former school, Mississippi State.