Bowling Green has made a splash. The Falcons hired former NFL star and Tennessee State coach Eddie George as their new head coach on Sunday.

George is a football legend. He won the Heisman Trophy at Ohio State in 1995. He was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1996. A four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, George’s career is Hall of Fame-worthy.

For the past four years, George coached at Tennessee State. He turned the program around. Last season, he was named Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He led the Tigers to a league championship and an FCS playoff berth. He was also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award.

Now, George takes over at Bowling Green. He replaces Scot Loeffler, who left after six seasons to join the Philadelphia Eagles as quarterbacks coach.

Bowling Green President Rodney K. Rogers praised George’s innovative mindset. “Eddie brings a deep understanding of holistic student-athlete development,” Rogers said. “We are excited for his leadership.”

George’s career extends beyond football. He’s acted on Broadway, taught at Ohio State and Vanderbilt, and pursued business ventures. In January, he interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job.

At Tennessee State, George inherited a struggling program. The Tigers averaged just three wins a year before his arrival. Under his leadership, they achieved back-to-back winning seasons in 2023 and 2024 for the first time since 2016-17. Last year, they went 9-3 and finished ranked No. 19 nationally.

“I am overwhelmed with excitement,” George said. “I’m thrilled to be back in Ohio, where I played college football. I can’t wait to meet the team and the Bowling Green community.”

George retired from the NFL in 2006 after a stellar career. He rushed for 10,441 yards, caught 268 passes, and scored 78 touchdowns. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

His wife, Tamara “Taj” George, is a member of the R&B group SWV. They have two sons.

Tennessee State athletic director Mikki Allen thanked George for laying a strong foundation. Allen will serve as interim coach until a replacement is hired.