Eddie George addresses Ohio State running back coach rumors as new candidate emerges

Eddie George, an Ohio State legend, is not interested in the Buckeyes’ running backs coach opening, according to Lettermen Row’s Tim May.

“To nip one rumor in the bud, former (Ohio State) Heisman-winning RB Eddie George, now (Tennessee State) HC tells me he is NOT interested in now-open OSU (RB coach) job,” May wrote on Twitter. “But his current RB coach and former (Ohio State running back) Pepe Pearson likely is.”

George is about to enter his fourth season as Tennessee State head coach. He is 15-18 in three seasons, including a 6-5 record last year, the team’s first in the Big South.

Even if he doesn’t go back to Ohio State, George’s legend as a Buckeye will always remain. He won a Heisman Trophy back in 1995 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

In four years at Ohio State, George finished with 683 carries, 3,768 yards, 44 touchdowns, 5.5 yards per carry, 63 catches, 534 receiving yards and one touchdown reception.

The Houston Oilers (eventually the Tennessee Titans), drafted George with the No. 14 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft. Aside from the 2004 with the Dallas Cowboys, George played his entire career with the Oilers/Titans.

He finished his career with 2,865 carries, 10,441 yards, 68 touchdowns, 3.6 yards per carry, 268 catches, 2,227 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions.

Tony Alford is expected to be the new Michigan running backs coach, leaving the Buckeyes without an assistant in that department.

Alford has spent the past nine seasons with the Buckeyes after spending the previous six at Notre Dame, and would be replacing former running backs coach Mike Hart after it was confirmed last week that he would not be returning to Ann Arbor for the 2024 season.

College football insider Pete Thamel added that Alford has already informed Ohio State officials that he will be leaving the program, expect to officially become the Wolverines next running backs coach.

New Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was tasked with replacing a multitude of staff members this offseason following the departure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers. With Hart being the latest following his exit a little over a week before the Wolverines kick off spring practice.