Eddie George, former Ohio State Buckeyes standout and 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, has stepped in as Bowling Green State University’s new head football coach. Urban Meyer, a coaching legend with ties to the Falcons, played a key role in recommending George for the position.
George, who previously guided Tennessee State to the FCS playoffs and a share of the OVC-Big South championship, is returning to Ohio, where he amassed 3,768 rushing yards in his Buckeyes career. Bowling Green sought a replacement for Scot Loeffler, now the Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach.
Eddie George Steps In as Bowling Green’s New Head Coach with Urban Meyer’s Backing
George, known for his standout career as an NFL and college football star, has accepted the role of head coach at Bowling Green State University. George had been coaching Tennessee State University for four seasons, compiling a 24-22 record.
Although committed to completing his contract at TSU, George reconsidered after Urban Meyer contacted him about the Bowling Green vacancy.
During his introduction as Falcons coach, George recalled his drive back from the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis to Nashville. While passing through Bowling Green, Kentucky, George received a message from Meyer about the Falcons’ coaching position.
“Honestly, I wasn’t looking for another opportunity. I was committed to finishing off my job at Tennessee State. Going into the last year of my contract, that was my focus,” George said.
“I see the sign, Bowling Green, and I looked down on my phone. It said, ‘Message from Urban Meyer,’ talking about, ‘Are you interested in the Bowling Green job?’ And I put the phone down, I was like, ‘Oh boy. What are you trying to say?’” he continued.
Meyer had been pivotal in the hiring process after Bowling Green athletic director Derek van der Merwe sought his advice.
“After talking to Urban Meyer, he said I only have one name for you.” van der Merwe said at the press conference, per FootballScoop. “I want you to talk to Eddie George. I said, ‘The Heisman Trophy winner, right?’ He says yeah. He says, ‘Don’t look at anything. Don’t read anything on him. Don’t read his background. Talk to him. Talk to the human being.’
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George’s coaching journey began at Tennessee State in 2021, where he improved the program from a 2-5 record in 2020 to 5-6 in his first season. After some struggles, TSU achieved a breakthrough in 2024, finishing 9-4, sharing the OVC-Big South title, and earning their first FCS playoff bid since 2013.
Tennessee State’s postseason run ended with a first-round loss to Montana.
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