NASHVILLE, Tenn. – We have no idea what kind of college head coach Eddie George will be.
We know full well he’s a determined guy who’s taken on a variety of career interests and projects and done well, from a wealth management business to acting on Broadway.
Now he will apply that focus to overseeing the football program at Tennessee State, drawing attention to the Ohio Valley Conference school that it’s not had since its glory years under John Merritt that included seven HBCU national championships spanning from 1965 to 1982. [Unlocked.]
AD Mikki Allen said the hire will have a “transformational impact” not only on the football program and the university but on the community. University president Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover introduced George Tuesday after declaring the hire as a bold, strategic move.
Their new coach, a Heisman Trophy winner who is one of the most beloved players in the history of the NFL in the state, is sure to follow with more moves that qualify as the same.
While he was surprised by TSU’s initial inquiry, he said that “it just resonated in my spirit and it wouldn’t go away.”
He pledged a full commitment and total focus.
"Can I do this? When I got focused and locked in I said, man, this is not about me. This is about something bigger than me." - #TSUFootball head coach Eddie George pic.twitter.com/UfVeMa5QJh
— Emily Proud (@emily_proud) April 13, 2021
George wants his teams to win and win championships, but he will define success, too, by ensuring his players are molded and guided by a support structure, that they get an education and that they are prepared for life after college.
He spoke with Jeff Fisher – who will reportedly function as an advisor as a staff is hired – as well as Mike Tomlin, Mike Vrabel and Luke Fickell for advice as he decided to take the job and formulated early plans for it.
Watching broadcast of TSU presser broadcast: @EddieGeorge2727 called @CoachJeffFisher about the coaching possibility, Fisher said "That would be great, that would be awesome." EG was ready to run through a brick wall after conversation. Has guided on setup, efficiency.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 13, 2021
His press conference was a terrific TD run and the early attention he draws to the program will make some things easier than they’ve been for a football coach in North Nashville for some time.
His players just finished a spring season.
They are about to have a chance to tell George what’s most important to them and to find out how he can help them.
“I have yet to talk to the kids. That’s the number one thing. I need to know what they need... I need to know where their minds are.” - Eddie George
— Emily Proud (@emily_proud) April 13, 2021
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