Eric Boggs
A legendary Buckeye is coming home. Bowling Green State University has officially named former Ohio State running back and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George as its new head football coach. The announcement, made Sunday, marks a new era for the Falcons, as George has signed a five-year contract to lead the program.
“I am truly excited to be the head coach at Bowling Green State University,” George said in a statement released by the school. “Bowling Green is a wonderful community that has embraced the school and the athletics department. We are eager to immerse ourselves in the community and help build this program to the greatness it deserves. I’m also thrilled to be back in the great state of Ohio, where I played my college football. I look forward to meeting the team, the coaches, everyone in the athletics department, and the entire BGSU and Bowling Green community.”
George, who has spent the past four years as the head coach at Tennessee State, will be formally introduced at a press conference Monday at 10:30 a.m. During his tenure at TSU, he led the Tigers to a 24-22 record, culminating in a 9-4 season in 2024 that saw them win a Big South co-championship and earn an FCS playoff berth. His success in Nashville set the stage for his transition to the FBS level.
Bowling Green’s decision to hire George came with strong backing from Ohio State coaching greats. Athletic director Derek van der Merwe revealed that former Ohio State and Bowling Green head coach Urban Meyer played a crucial role in the process.
“After talking to Urban Meyer, he called me the next day and said, ‘I only have one name for you,’” van der Merwe recalled. “I said, ‘Give me names. Please give me as many names as you can.’ He said, ‘I have one name for you. I want you to talk to Eddie George.’”
Meyer, who began his own head coaching career at Bowling Green, explained why he believed George was the perfect fit.
“Bowling Green is a special place,” Meyer said. “The passion and tradition of BGSU football are unmatched, and I can’t think of a better ambassador for the Orange and Brown than Eddie George. His track record of success—both on and off the field—along with his strong work ethic, leadership, and ability to inspire others make him an ideal fit.”
Meyer wasn’t the only former Buckeye coach to endorse George. Jim Tressel also gave his support for the hire.
“Eddie George has been a winner in all that he has attempted in his storied career,” Tressel said. “His passion for young people and the game of football will serve the Bowling Green Falcon Family very well. I am so happy for Bowling Green and the great state of Ohio!”
George’s journey to Bowling Green seemed to be guided by destiny. As he recounted, he was driving back from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis when he received a message from Meyer about the Bowling Green opening—just as he happened to be passing through Bowling Green, Kentucky.
“Honestly, I wasn’t looking for another opportunity,” George admitted. “I was committed to finishing off my job at Tennessee State. But I asked God maybe three weeks ago, ‘Give me a sign of what’s next.’ And then, as I was driving through Bowling Green, I got a message from Urban Meyer. I looked at my phone and thought, ‘Oh boy.’”
George becomes the 21st head coach in Bowling Green history, replacing Scot Loeffler, who left to become the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. While Bowling Green has not won a MAC championship since 2015, George made it clear he has big plans for the program.
“I have every aspiration and intention on winning the MAC this year. That is the goal,” George declared. “The goals right now are to win the Battle of I-75 (against Toledo), win the MAC, and then go play for a national championship.”
For George, returning to Ohio—where he starred for the Buckeyes from 1992 to 1995—is more than just a career move; it’s a homecoming.
“I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude,” George said. “Walking around campus, seeing Ohio State jerseys—it just brings me back home to Ohio. The sunsets are different here in Ohio. And the people just really embrace you. The community is so strong.”
As George takes the reins at Bowling Green, Buckeye Nation will undoubtedly be watching. His leadership, passion, and Ohio roots make him an exciting hire, and if his track record is any indication, he’s ready to bring the Falcons back to prominence.
