Bowling Green’s hiring of Eddie George started with a recommendation from another Ohio State legend.
During George’s formal introduction as Bowling Green’s new coach on Monday, Bowling Green athletic director Derek van der Merwe said the idea to hire George came from former Ohio State and Bowling Green head coach Urban Meyer.
“After talking to Urban Meyer, he called me the next day, and he says, ‘I only have one name for you.’’ I said, ‘Give me names. Please give me as many names as you can.’ He said, ‘I have one name for you. I want you to talk to Eddie George,’” van der Merwe recalled. “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.’
“After meeting with Eddie George during the search process, it became very clear to me that Eddie checked every aspect of that profile that we created. Eddie is someone who cares about people, values personal growth and development. He defines himself by his ability to adapt, adjust, and have success in every aspect of his life.”
George said he first heard about the potential opportunity to become Bowling Green’s coach from Meyer, receiving a text message from Meyer on his way back to Nashville from the NFL Scouting Combine – just as he happened to be driving through the Kentucky city of Bowling Green.
“Honestly, I wasn't looking for another opportunity. I was committed to finishing off my job at Tennessee State,” George said. “Going into the last year of my contract, that was my focus. Given the challenges of the university, it was challenging. And (the Bowling Green job) was a situation where it presented itself. You know, I asked God maybe three weeks ago, ‘Give me a sign of what's next.’
“I promise you, this is exactly what happened: As I'm driving back from Indianapolis, from the combine, I'm driving through Bowling Green, Kentucky – I see the sign, Bowling Green – and I look down at my phone, it's a 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.’”
In a statement released by Bowling Green on Sunday, Meyer explained why he thought George was the perfect fit to be the Falcons’ new head coach.
"Bowling Green is a special place," Meyer said. "We loved our time there, and to this day, I always check the game scores to see how the Falcons perform each weekend. The passion and tradition of BGSU football are unmatched, and I can't think of a better ambassador for the Orange and Brown than Eddie George as the next head football coach. His track record of success – both on and off the field – along with his strong work ethic, leadership, and ability to inspire others make him an ideal fit. His experience as a player, coach, and mentor will bring invaluable knowledge and energy to the program, helping to continue elevate BGSU football."
Van der Merwe said he also spoke to former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel during the search process, with Tressel giving George his endorsement as well.
"Eddie George has been a winner in all that he has attempted in his storied career," Tressel said in a statement. "His passion for young people and the game of football will serve the Bowling Green Falcon Family very well. I am so happy for Bowling Green and the Great State of Ohio!!"
George is the 21st head football coach in Bowling Green history, replacing Scot Loeffler, who left Bowling Green after six years to become the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterbacks coach. He takes over the Falcons after four years at Tennessee State, where he led the Tigers to a OVC-Big South co-championship and a FCS playoff berth in 2024. He made it clear Monday that he’s bringing the same goals to Bowling Green, which hasn’t won a MAC championship since 2015.
“I have every aspiration and intention on winning the MAC this year. That is the goal,” George said. “The goals as of right now is to win the Battle of I-75 (Bowling Green’s rivalry game with Toledo), win the MAC and then go play for a national championship.”
George, who played for Ohio State from 1992-95, said it’s special for him to be back in the state of Ohio as a first-time FBS football coach.
“I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude,” George said. “That's the one word that I come up with as I stand before you today, as I walk around campus, as I just meet people in the community. Looking around, I see Ohio State jerseys, everything, it just brings me back home to Ohio. Just gratitude. And when I look at the community, the energy, the enthusiasm, the upsurge of what's happening here at this university really excites me.
“The sunsets are different here in Ohio. And the people just really embrace you. And the community is so strong.”
