Eddie George has officially stepped onto the sidelines of college football coaching, as he was appointed the next head coach of the Bowling Green Falcons on March 9, 2025. The iconic former NFL running back agreed to a five-year deal, taking the coaching reins after Scot Loeffler departed to join the Philadelphia Eagles as their quarterbacks coach.
George, who previously helmed the Tennessee State football program for four seasons, shared his enthusiasm for joining Bowling Green, saying, "I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the possibilities this opportunity holds." He expressed his eagerness to reconnect with the state of Ohio, where he achieved collegiate stardom at Ohio State, stating, "Bowling Green is a wonderful community."
Before venturing to Bowling Green, George had a successful tenure at Tennessee State, where he transformed the program from humble beginnings to competitive heights. Under George's guidance, the Tigers recorded impressive seasons, culminating with a 9-4 record and the first FCS playoff appearance since 2013. This season, they not only made it to the playoffs but also captured a share of the OVC-Big South title, marking the school's first league title since 1999.
George's credentials are bolstered by his illustrious college career at Ohio State, where he rushed for 3,768 yards, clinching the Heisman Trophy in 1995—a distinction he earned following a jaw-dropping season with 1,826 yards and 23 touchdowns. His professional career flourished as he became the first-round pick of the Houston Oilers, later known as the Tennessee Titans, where he became the franchise's all-time leading rusher, racking up over 10,000 rushing yards throughout his nine-year NFL tenure.
"Today, we add another transformative leader to this campus in Eddie George," declared Derek van der Merwe, Bowling Green's vice president for athletics strategy. Van der Merwe lauded George for his multifaceted achievements, stating, "Our students are getting someone who has chased success in sports, art, business, and leadership." The eagerness to build this football program to its rightful greatness echoes across the campus community, as George aims to leverage his influence beyond the football field.
Among his passions, George has balanced his career with ventures as an actor and entrepreneur and holds an MBA from Northwestern University. He paid back Tennessee State's investment by guiding them to significant improvements, showcasing not only his football acumen but also his commitment to fostering educational and personal growth among student-athletes.
The transition to Bowling Green follows the increasing trend of hiring prominent former athletes to lead college football programs—most recently reflected by Deion Sanders’s impactful coaching stint at Colorado. George joins the ranks of other notable coaches who have made their mark at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), emphasizing the growing trend of excellence on and off the field.
Bowling Green hopes to revitalize their football program after recent underperformance. The Falcons’ past three seasons included bowl appearances, but they haven’t secured victory since 2014. George aims to inspire and engage not just the team but also the entire Bowling Green community, which he noted has historically embraced the school and athletic endeavors.
George’s passion for fostering community ties resonates through his words: "We are eager to immerse ourselves in the community and help build this program to the greatness it deserves." With lofty ambitions, he is prepared to assume the challenge of revitalizing Bowling Green football and possibly restoring it to its formerly celebrated stature.
While the road to success is rarely smooth, Eddie George's determination and experience position him well to take the helm at Bowling Green and make strides within the competitive college football arena. His return to Ohio as head coach signals not just a new chapter for the Falcons, but also sets the stage for what could be another inspiring story of transformation and excellence within college sports.
With the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, Eddie George will be engaging with fans, student-athletes, and athletic department staff as he charts the future for Bowling Green State University football. The excitement surrounding his appointment brings hope to the Falcons, who are eager to witness the next chapter of their program under George’s stewardship.