Eddie George Named New Head Coach of Bowling Green Falcons

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Former NFL All-Pro running back Eddie George has been named the new head football coach of the Bowling Green Falcons, the school announced Sunday. George, who previously served as the head coach at Tennessee State University, succeeds Scot Loeffler, who accepted a quarterbacks coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles.

George, a 51-year-old Ohio State alumnus, expressed enthusiasm about returning to his home state. “I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the possibilities this opportunity holds,” George said in a statement. He added, “I look forward to meeting the team, the coaches, everyone in the athletics department, and everyone in the BGSU and Bowling Green community.”

During his tenure at Tennessee State, George led the Tigers to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs, marking the school’s first postseason bid since 2013. Under George’s leadership, TSU captured its first league title since 1999 and he was named Big South–OVC Coach of the Year.

George’s coaching journey began without traditional experience, yet he proved successful at TSU, leading a resurgence in the program. His background includes winning the Heisman Trophy in 1995 while at Ohio State and a successful nine-year NFL career, where he rushed for over 10,000 yards. His jersey number was retired by the Tennessee Titans, the franchise he helped establish as its all-time leading rusher.

Bowling Green has recently shifted away from its last coaching regime, with Loeffler posting a 27-41 record over six seasons. The Falcons enjoyed three consecutive bowl appearances but have not secured more than seven wins in a season since 2015. George’s hiring represents a significant step in revitalizing a program that is currently in a rebuilding phase.

“We are so pleased to welcome Eddie George back to Ohio as the next head coach of our football program,” said Bowling Green President Rodney K. Rogers. “Eddie has embraced innovation and a growth mindset, founded in work ethic with a willingness to embrace continued learning and taking risks. These are core principles at Bowling Green.”

With George at the helm, Bowling Green aims to build on its past successes, capitalizing on George’s extensive network and experience in football. His hire comes at a time when more former NFL stars are taking coaching roles at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a trend sparked by figures like Deion Sanders.

As he embarks on this new chapter, George hopes to create a winning culture at Bowling Green, where he will face the challenges of reshaping the roster lost to graduation and transfers, including the departure of All-American tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

George’s arrival is already generating energy and anticipation among the Bowling Green community as he prepares for his inaugural season as head coach in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).