BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Bowling Green has announced the hiring of former NFL running back and Tennessee State coach Eddie George as its new head coach, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative era for the Falcons’ football program. George, who was once considered one of the top running backs of his time, is known for his impressive football background, including being a four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, an All-Pro, and the 1996 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He made headlines before by winning the 1995 Heisman Trophy at Ohio State, highlighting his storied collegiate career.
For the past four years, George led Tennessee State University, where he garnered recognition as the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year and propelled the Tigers to notable successes. Under his guidance, the team shared the league championship and earned a place in the Football Championship Series playoffs. Reflecting on his time at Tennessee State, George received accolades, including being named as one of the runners-up for the prestigious Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award.
Now stepping up as the 21st head coach for Bowling Green, George replaces Scot Loeffler, who departed after six seasons to join the Philadelphia Eagles as their quarterbacks coach. Bowling Green President Rodney K. Rogers expressed confidence in George’s vision for the future of the Falcons, stating, "Eddie is uniquely positioned to bring this mindset to our football program, leveraging our momentum and generating excitement in this shifting ...”
George's experience as the head coach at Tennessee State was marked by remarkable improvements, leading the team to consecutive winning records for the first time since 2016-17. The Tigers finished with a 9-3 record for the 2024 season, their best performance since 2013, culminating in a No. 19 national ranking. George’s overall coaching record stands at 24-22.
His move to Bowling Green not only brings a wealth of operational experience but also reinforces his commitment to developing student-athletes holistically, aiming to nurture them both on and off the field. “I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the possibilities this opportunity holds,” he expressed following the announcement. George emphasized his enthusiasm about returning to Ohio, where he enjoyed his college football playing days. "I’m also thrilled to be back... I look forward to meeting the team, the coaches, everyone...”
Interestingly, this isn’t George's first brush with high-profile coaching opportunities; he interviewed with the NFL's Chicago Bears for their head coach opening earlier this year. Reflecting on his professional football career, George had spent the 2004 NFL season playing for the Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 2006. Over his career, he amassed impressive statistics: 10,441 yards rushing, 268 catches for 2,227 receiving yards, and tallied 78 total touchdowns. His achievements on the field earned him induction to the College Football Hall of Fame back in 2011.
Not only is George known for his athletic prowess, but he has also explored avenues outside sports. His work as an actor on Broadway, along with his roles as an adjunct professor at esteemed institutions like his alma mater Ohio State University and Vanderbilt, adds another layer to his character. These experiences suggest he brings both talent and value to the Bowling Green football program.
Tennessee State’s athletic director Mikki Allen reflected on George's tenure, expressing gratitude for the firm foundational structure he laid before commencing the process of searching for his replacement. Allen is currently handling interim coach duties until the new hire is appointed. George's approach to fostering talent has left lasting impressions and will undoubtedly leave significant expectations as he moves on to embrace new opportunities with the Falcons.
Bowling Green's decision to hire George aligns with broader trends within collegiate sports, as programs are increasingly turning to former players and professional athletes to lead teams amid competitive environments. George's experience, both as an athlete and as a coach, positions him favorably as he ventures to uphold and expand Bowling Green’s competitive spirit within the Mid-American Conference.
The enthusiasm around George's appointment by Bowling Green could signal new energy for the Falcons, aiming to reshape the team’s narrative and performance on the gridiron. The program fanbase is eager to watch how George will inspire and lead the younger athletes, drawing from his wealth of on-field and life experience. With the upcoming college football season on the horizon, the spotlight on George is palpable, as students, alumni, and supporters anticipate the changes he will bring to the program.