BGSU football has found its next head coach.
1995 Heisman Memorial Trophy winner Eddie George has reportedly signed on to be the next leader of the Falcons.
“I am truly excited to be the head coach at Bowling Green State University. Bowling Green is a wonderful community that has embraced the school and the athletics department,” George said. “We are eager to immerse ourselves in the community and help build this program to the greatness it deserves.”
George’s contract with Bowling Green is a five-year deal, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“At BGSU, we always emphasize how our people and our community transform this great university and enhance the student experience. Today, we add another transformative leader to this campus in Eddie George,” BGSU Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe said. “Our students are getting someone who has chased success in sports, art, business, and leadership. As our head football coach, he will pursue excellence in all aspects of competition in the arena. More importantly, beyond the arena, he will exemplify what excellence looks like in the classroom, in life, in business, and in relationships with people.”
George replaces former head coach Scot Loeffler, who, after six seasons leading the Falcons, took a job to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterbacks coach on Feb. 28.
Three finalists for the job — George, UMass offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian and Oklahoma State quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns — were interviewed by BGSU officials on Friday before George was extended an offer on Saturday.
George also interviewed with the NFL’s Chicago Bears for their vacant head coach position on Jan. 19.
George, who spent four seasons in the Buckeye State as a running back for Ohio State from 1992-95, has been the head coach at Tennessee State for the past four seasons.
“I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the possibilities this opportunity holds. I’m also thrilled to be back in the great state of Ohio, where I played my college football,” George said. “I look forward to meeting the team, the coaches, everyone in the athletics department and everyone in the BGSU and Bowling Green community.”
At the helm of the Tigers, he compiled a 24-22 record, leading them to a Big South-Ohio Valley Conference title in 2024, earning Big South-OVC Coach of the Year Honors.
Last year, George led Tennessee State to a 9-4 overall record, their best since 2013. In 2023, George led the Tigers to their first winning season since 2017.
“We are so pleased to welcome Eddie George back to Ohio as the next head coach of our football program. Throughout his career in and outside of football, Eddie has embraced innovation and a growth mindset, founded in work ethic with a willingness to embrace continued learning and taking risks, when appropriate. These are core principles at Bowling Green and the reason we are experiencing the momentum we see today,” BGSU President Rodney Rogers said. “Eddie is uniquely positioned to bring this mindset to our football program, leveraging our momentum and generating excitement in this shifting landscape of collegiate sports. In addition to his experience as a successful DI head coach, Eddie brings a deep understanding of holistic student-athlete development both in sport and in life, and we are excited for his leadership of this program.”
As a Buckeye, George rushed for 3,768 yards and 44 touchdowns, including a 1,927-yard, 24-touchdown campaign in 1995 that saw him win the Doak Walker, Maxwell, Chic Harley and Walter Camp Awards, on top of being named the Heisman Trophy winner and a unanimous First Team All-American that season.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
“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 as the next head football coach,” former BGSU head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Urban Meyer said. “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. His experience as a player, coach, and mentor will bring invaluable knowledge and energy to the program, helping to continue elevate BGSU football.”
George was drafted 14th overall by the then-Houston Oilers in the 1996 NFL Draft.
He retired in 2004 after a nine-year career that saw him finish as the Oilers/Tennessee Titans’ all-time leading rusher, totaling 10,009 yards, a mark that still stands today.
George has his No. 27 jersey retired by both Ohio State and the Titans.
“Eddie George has been a winner in all that he has attempted in his storied career,” Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, President Emeritus at Youngstown State and former head football coach at Ohio State and Youngstown State Jim 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!!”
BGSU will hold a formal press conference to introduce George as the new head coach on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Stroh Center. Falcon Media Sports Network will have coverage of the event on bgfalconmedia.com and the BG Falcon Media YouTube channel.
