Report: Eddie George agrees to become next head coach at Bowling Green

Tennessee State head coach and former Ohio State and NFL great Eddie George has reportedly agreed in principle to become the next head coach at Bowling Green, according to the Toledo Blade.

According to the Blade, Bowling Green interviewed three finalists — George, UMass offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian and Oklahoma State quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns — on Friday at the Westin at Detroit Metro Airport, and extended the offer to George on Saturday.

The 51-year-old George moves up the FBS level after going 24-22 overall and 13-12 in conference play over four seasons at FCS Tennessee State, including leading the Tigers (9-4, 6-1 OVC-Big South-OVC) to one of their best seasons in school history after finishing tied for first in the OVC-Big South, its first conference championship since 1999. George was also named OVC-Big South coach of the year in 2024.

George replaces former BG head coach Scott Loeffler, who left the Falcons after six seasons to become the Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach.

During this coaching cycle, Eddie George also interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancy. That job ultimately went to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Eddie George returns to Ohio after 30 years away

The College Hall of Famer and former Buckeyes running back returns to Ohio three decades after a historic senior season in which he won the 1995 Heisman Trophy with a school-record 1,927 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns that season. George left the Buckeyes ranked second in program history in career rushing yards (3,768) and third in career rushing touchdowns (44).

The Houston Oilers then selected George as the No. 14 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, and he set multiple franchise records during his time with the team, which would later move to Nashville and become the Tennessee Titans. George made four Pro Bowls and won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 1996 with 1,368 rushing yards and eight touchdowns that season.

Loeffler left Bowling Green after amassing a 27-41 record over his six years. However, the Falcons made three straight bowl games before his departure, and school president Rodney K. Rogers said that speaks to the impact he had on the program.

“Coach Loeffler has made a tremendous impact in rebuilding and reshaping BGSU Football, developing student-athletes and growing engagement across our learning community and the region,” Rogers said in a statement. “Scot has been dedicated to not only BGSU Football, but to all our student-athletes and BGSU Athletics, as well as our Falcon Marching Band and spirit programs.

“He cares deeply about player development and student success, and we wish him all the best as he continues his coaching career in the NFL with the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.