Deion Sanders epitomizes the term ‘trailblazer’ across a multitude of paths. During his HOF playing career, Prime set the precedent by playing on both sides of the football. Which sowed the seeds that his protege Travis Hunter is reaping the rewards of. Another trail he’s figuratively blazed is legendary NFL vets heading to HBCUs for their first foray into the coaching realm. Following Deion’s initial push with his stint at Jackson State, a multitude of his contemporaries have followed suit. The likes of Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, and Ed Reed(albeit he didn’t stay long) serve as examples. Another adopter, Eddie George, acknowledges what Deion’s done for the collective.
Saturdays may remain vacant till August, but drama in the College Football sphere never ceases. The coaching carousel is perpetually revolving, and it picks up speed this time of year. With him entering the final year of his contract as head coach of Tennessee State and talks over an extension stagnating, Eddie George was aware his time to hop onto this proverbial carousel was beckoning. Then comes a beacon of light out of the blue, and his tenure ends prematurely.
The former Ohio State alum and Heisman recipient has just been hired as the new head coach of the Bowling Green Falcons. Moving from the FCS to the FBS seems like a no-brainer. But the decision wasn’t that straightforward for Eddie George, and he credits Deion Sanders for helping him make it. Alongside a trifecta of other legends different from the ones aforementioned. After confirmation of his new role, George guested on The Triple Option podcast hosted by fellow running back and Heisman winner Mark Ingram II, Natty-winning Buckeyes’ coach Urban Meyer, and CFB media member Rob Stone. During the pod, he was asked two very intriguing questions. Although not interlinked, they both bestowed praise on Coach Prime.
“Why are HBCUs becoming a bit of a gateway for becoming head coach for former players?” asked Rob Stone to Eddie George. “I’m not quite sure. [But] I think Deion definitely started this,” he replied. “I thought it was really cool. I wasn’t seeking to become a coach. Then, when I did it, I actually called Prime and asked him, ‘Can I be successful at doing this, having no coaching experience?’” continued Eddie George. A shrewd move to ask advice from someone who’s walked the walk before taking this leap of faith. He leveraged exactly what Deion Sanders told him.
“[Deion] says, ‘Yes. You are the CEO of your program [and] you played the game. You know, very rarely do I call plays.’ And I was like, that makes sense. So I jumped into it, and I’ve had some success,” said George. That said, he did make it a point to point out that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Eddie George stated how difficult coaching an HBCU is. Owing to the resources, or lack thereof.
The “challenges” of Jackson State and rising above that adversity is perhaps what’s helping Deion thrive with Colorado. “It’s a great teaching ground for you. It prepares you for every serious scenario, and you appreciate things a little bit more,” remarked George. Later in the pod, he was asked who helped him with reassurance about jumping ship to Bowling Green. 4 iconic names, including Deion, came to the forefront.
Eddie George conferred with Deion Sanders and 3 other football savants before joining Bowling Green
Similar to Deion Sanders, Eddie George has also used the experience and bounce he garnered at an HBCU to ascend into FBS. He was asked, “You spoke to Coach Prime before you got into head coaching at an HBCU. Did you talk to Deion before you made that move from Tennessee State up to the MAC [with Bowling Green]?” George indeed did. “I rely on a few guys. Jerome Bettis, [for] one.” Having a direct line of dialogue with two Canton gold jackets and Super Bowl winners in Sanders and Bettis sure helps. George proceeded to name others he “vetted it out with.”
“Deion, you know, just trying to get a sense of is this a good opportunity given the timing of this… [we’re] in March. Staffs are set for going into spring ball. [So] some challenges that lie ahead with this thing… He gave me that vote of confidence and gave me some advice… You know, whether it’s Urban [Meyer] or Jim Tressel or a bunch of guys. I vetted it out with everybody!” said Eddie George. It was actually coach Meyer who recommended George for the job amid very miraculous circumstances when Bowling Green athletic director Derek van der Merwe asked him for suggestions. George succeeds Scot Loeffler, who moved to the NFL to become the Eagles’ QB coach.
Eddie George is a bona fide legend of the game across both CFB and the NFL. A 3x Pro Bowler and college HOF inductee. That said, reputation and accolades don’t put bread on the dinner table. He’s signed onto a 5-year deal worth $600k each season. Taking the total, the sum for his services to $3 million. Now, it’s time for George to reciprocate this trust and value that Bowling Green has put into him. His Xs and Os are far from a concern. But that transition into FBS will prove to be a challenge. Deion Sanders can attest to that, having gone 4-8 in his first year with the Buffs.
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