Today, BGSU Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe announced a five-year extension for BGSU men’s soccer head coach Eric Nichols.
Nichols, who completed his 16th season with the Orange and Brown, has been extended through Dec. 16, 2029.
“Bowling Green is an incredible University and community that has profoundly impacted my family and me,” said Nichols. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this program, working with outstanding young men, and sharing meaningful experiences with the wonderful Bowling Green community.”
During his 16 seasons, Nichols has coached the Falcons to a 131-119-44 record. Over the last five seasons, he’s led the Orange and Brown to a record of 56-37-15.
“Eric has been a cornerstone of BGSU Athletics for over 16 seasons,” said van der Merwe. “His dedication to building a winning culture, developing student-athletes, and representing Bowling Green with pride and integrity is unparalleled. We are thrilled to extend his leadership and look forward to continued success under his guidance.”
In 2020 under Nichols, Bowling Green made its first NCAA appearance since 1997. The next season in 2021, he led the Falcons to their first NCAA tournament win since 1997, in a 1-0 victory over Louisville, with the game-winning goal scored by his son, Kale. Nicholas won Mid-American Conference (MAC) Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2020-21, becoming the second head coach in program history to win the award.
The Falcons finished (12-6-2) this past season, going (4-3-1) in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play.
Nichols is just the fifth head coach in the program’s 60-year history, starting his tenure with the Falcons in 2009. He joins Mickey Cochrane (1965-77), the late Gary Palmisano (1978-82), Mel Mahler (1993, 1995-2003) and Fred Thompson (2004-08).
