From 2020 to 2024, Levi Gazarek was a key leader of BGSU football. But this season, the former two-time team captain has switched the helmet for the headset, joining the Falcons’ coaching staff.

“He’s got a great family, and he loves this town. He’s from North Baltimore, just 20 minutes away, so Bowling Green has always been in his DNA,” special teams coordinator Alex Bayer said.

Gazarek was a two-sport athlete at North Baltimore High School, playing baseball and football. In his senior year, Gazarek threw for 1,110 yards and 13 passing touchdowns, rushed for 1,110 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground and tallied 158 receiving yards and another score through the air.

“When I was in high school being recruited to play football, baseball was actually still my favorite sport,” Gazarek said. “I never really expected to play college football. I just posted my junior year highlight tape, started getting some offers, and thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’ I ended up falling in love with football.”

Gazarek continued playing both sports at BGSU, fully experiencing the team aspect of football as a tight end.

“In high school, I didn’t really experience the true brotherhood that football brings. Coming here was a total culture shock. I got to see what real hard work looked like, grinding with your teammates every single day, all year round,” Gazarek said. “I fell in love with that process and realized I wanted to go down that path. It ended up happening right away.”

After pitching in 24 games across two seasons of collegiate baseball, injuries forced Gazarek to commit to football.

“I had a couple of injuries that required surgery, which made it hard to continue pitching at a high level. I tried to fight through a lot of pain during rehab, but after missing two straight baseball seasons, I realized it was time to close that chapter and start the next one,” Gazarek said. “You never plan for something like that, but everything happens for a reason. It set me up really well for a career in football.”

Gazarek finished his collegiate football career with 27 receptions for 197 yards and two touchdowns in 51 games across four seasons.

He caught his first career touchdown at the Glass Bowl in his final Battle of I-75 against Toledo in 2024, contributing to a 41-26 upset win.

However, Gazarek’s playing career was ultimately defined by his toughness.

“Coming from a small town that doesn’t produce a lot of Division I athletes, he’s carried that pride on his shoulders his entire career, representing his hometown and this university. He’s handled everything thrown his way as well as anyone could,” Bayer said. “He’s also one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around. He’s played through injuries that would sideline 95% of players. He never wanted to just show up on Saturdays; he wanted to practice, even when you could see him limping or struggling physically. That toughness defines him.”

Gazarek wanted to stay involved with football after his playing days were over.

So, he connected with head coach Eddie George after Scot Loeffler left the program to take the quarterbacks coach job with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I went to the pro day to see how everybody was doing this spring. Then, I wanted to see if I could meet coach George and see if I could talk to some of the new coaches, and that’s kind of how the whole thing got rolling.”

Now, Gazarek serves as an offensive quality control coach for the Orange and Brown.

“I help with the quarterbacks and handle breakdowns for scouting reports and game prep,” Gazarek said.

The transition from the field to the sideline opened Gazarek’s eyes to just how much work coaches have to put in every day.

“As a player, you don’t truly understand everything coaches do behind the scenes. You know they work hard, but you don’t realize how much goes into it. As a player, your main focus is practice; being locked in from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Then, you have more freedom the rest of the day,” Gazarek said. “As a coach, you have to stay locked in all day long. You’re constantly focused on giving players the best chance to succeed.”

Gazarek has served as a bridge for the coaching staff.

“Levi also brings something special because he was just in the locker room with these players. He’s been on the field with them; he’s hung out with them off the field. He knows them on a personal level that most coaches don’t. That’s incredibly valuable because he can translate our messages to the players in a way that resonates,” Bayer said. “Sometimes, when coaches talk, players can roll their eyes or tune out. But Levi bridges that gap. He helps them understand why we’re doing what we’re doing, and that’s been huge in blending the old staff with the new one under coach George.”

Gazarek has also had to adjust from acting like a player to a coach this season.

“That’s always the big question in a first year as a young coach. Are the players going to respect you, or still see you as one of the guys? But Levi handled it perfectly. He stepped right into his new role and understood his responsibilities immediately. He knew he was now a coach and carried himself that way. Sure, he still jokes around and keeps things light, but he left the locker-room talk and player side behind,” Bayer said. “We’ve asked him to do a lot of different things. He started helping with the wide receivers. Now, he’s working with the quarterbacks, and he’s also helped on special teams. No matter what you ask him to do, he gives 100%. As a young coach, that’s exactly what you want—someone willing to take on any role and give their best effort. And Levi has thrived doing that.”

Bayer has been key in helping Gazarek throughout his transition to coaching.

The coordinator formerly coached Gazarek for his final two years playing at BG, when he served as the tight ends coach.

“As a player, he was an unbelievable coach; a real players’ coach. He holds you accountable when you need it, but also gives you credit when you’re doing things well. He strikes a great balance. He’s excelled coaching both tight ends and special teams, which is tough to do, and he’s done a tremendous job,” Gazarek said. “We’ve always had a great relationship. We laugh, joke around and have fun. He’s been an incredible mentor for me as I’ve transitioned into coaching.”