Eddie George’s Coaching Journey: Why He Left TSU for Bowling Green
When Eddie George stepped into the world of college football coaching, it wasn’t some short-term experiment or a temporary gig—it was a commitment for the long haul. Whether at Tennessee State or another program down the line, the former Heisman Trophy winner, Tennessee Titans All-Pro running back, successful business owner, and even Broadway actor wasn’t one to simply test the waters. He was all in.
That mindset played a key role in his recent decision to leave Tennessee State University (TSU) with one year left on his contract to take over as the head coach at Bowling Green. This wasn’t just about a career move; it was about positioning himself for a long-term coaching future.
The Financial Struggles at Tennessee State Were a Factor
While his passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes was undeniable, TSU’s financial struggles certainly influenced his choice. The program’s uncertain financial standing raised questions about its future stability, and for George, that was a major consideration.
“Honestly, it wasn’t like, ‘Hey, I’m going to give this five years to find out if I like it,’” George explained. “I was like, ‘Listen, let me turn this program around.’ And as I tried to help turn it around, I truly loved the fact that I was a head coach. I love coaching, I love teaching, I love challenging guys, I love building relationships. I love all the elements that are associated with football. That’s why I love the game.”
That passion kept him pushing forward, even when his first two seasons at TSU were rough. The team posted losing records initially, but George led them to a 6-5 finish in 2023 before ultimately guiding the Tigers to a 9-4 record and an FCS playoff berth last season. Considering that the program had only won nine games in the previous three years combined—including a rough 2-5 COVID-shortened season in 2020—his impact was undeniable.
More Than Just Wins and Losses
For George, it wasn’t just about turning losses into wins. The real reward came from the relationships he built with his players and the lasting impact he had on their lives.
“That impact on guys’ lives day in and day out and building relationships, that’s addicting,” George said. “That’s at the crux of it. I knew it would be when I got into it and why I knew this was not just a three- or four-year plan.”
That passion for the game and for mentorship was evident even when he explored other coaching opportunities. Earlier this year, he even interviewed for the Chicago Bears head coaching position, though that job eventually went to former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who replaced Matt Eberflus after his firing in November 2024.
But George wasn’t actively searching for a way out of TSU. After the Bears job went elsewhere, he refocused on TSU’s upcoming spring practices. Yet, when Bowling Green came calling, he listened.
Why Eddie George Chose Bowling Green
Bowling Green wasn’t exactly on George’s radar at first. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) school in Ohio wasn’t a destination he had been eyeing, but once the opportunity presented itself, things started falling into place.
“Bowling Green really came out of left field,” George admitted. “I wasn’t searching for a job. I wasn’t looking for interviews. The interviews that I did take, those were interviews I was asked to take. I wanted to explore because it was time in my career where I had to look at other options and see what was available.”
For George, this wasn’t about chasing a big-time Power Five job or making an immediate jump to the NFL. His approach to coaching had always been about holistic development—building men, not just football players. That made Bowling Green an intriguing opportunity.
“I did not come into the profession seeking to become a coach at a Power Five school, NFL, none of that. I just came in with the mindset to develop young men holistically.”
The more he learned about Bowling Green, the more the job felt right. The program, previously led by Scot Loeffler—who left in February to become the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles—was in good shape. The Falcons had just finished the 2024 season with a 7-6 record and earned a spot in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
“Coach Loeffler left a really good program in great condition,” George said. “I said, ‘This could be a good opportunity for me to go back to the footprint of Ohio.’”
For George, returning to Ohio felt like a homecoming of sorts. He became a household name playing at Ohio State in the 1990s, and while Bowling Green isn’t Columbus, it’s still in the heart of a state where he left an undeniable legacy.
A Fresh Start with Big Potential
Taking over a well-run program in a competitive conference like the MAC presents a fresh challenge for George, but it’s one he embraces. With Bowling Green’s strong football history—having produced notable coaches and players—he sees the potential to take the program to new heights.
“Take on a great program that has produced some great coaches, great players, great people. To take that to the next level is appealing. It’s like a coming-home party for me to go back in this regard. Not like Columbus, but right down the road and play in a very competitive conference.”
For Eddie George, coaching was never a side project. It wasn’t a “let’s see how this goes” kind of thing. He was in it for the long run, and now, that long run continues at Bowling Green.
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