Heisman Winner Eddie George Named Head Coach At Bowling Green

Ohio State’s 1995 Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George, who has spent the past four seasons as the Tennessee State head coach, is returning to the Buckeye state as the new head coach at Bowling Green, the university announced March 9.

Said George, 51, in a statement: “I am truly excited to be the head coach at Bowling Green State University. Bowling Green is a wonderful community that has embraced the school and the athletics department. We are eager to immerse ourselves in the community and help build this program to the greatness it deserves.

“I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the possibilities this opportunity holds. I’m also thrilled to be back in the great state of Ohio, where I played my college football. I look forward to meeting the team, the coaches, everyone in the athletics department, and everyone in the BGSU and Bowling Green community.”

In four seasons at Tennessee State, George led a rebuild of the Tigers’ program that culminated with a Big South title in 2024, its first conference championships since 1999. George’s squad also reached the FCS playoffs in 2024 for the first time in more than a decade.

Eddie Georgie while at Tennessee State / Credit: Tennessee State Athletics

Overall, Tennessee State was 24-22 under George, including going 8-4 overall and 6-2 in conference last season. He was tabbed as the Big South/OVC coach of the year and a runner-up for the Eddie Robinson national coach of the year.

George is one of many Heisman winners who have served as college football head coaches, including Steve Spurrier (1966), Pat Sullivan (1971), John David Crow (1957) and Frank Sinkwich (1942).

A handful of fellow Heisman winners coached in various capacities, including Johnny Lujack (1947) who served two years on Notre Dame’s staff (1952-53). 1955 winner Howard “Hopalong” Cassady was a scout for the New York Yankees and served as a first base coach for their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers.

Carson Palmer (2002) is the head coach at Santa Margarita High School in Southern California while Chris Weinke is Georgia Tech’s assistant head coach.