Tennessee State Head Coach Eddie George Addresses Speculation On Ohio State Rumors

Tennessee State head coach Eddie George denies interest in being the next running backs coach at Ohio State, names potential candidate

Tennessee State head coach Eddie George is expected to remain with the Tigers despite rumors of a potential departure to Ohio State. 

Tim May of Letterman Row reported that George denied interest in the Ohio State running backs coach position. The Buckeyes are aiming to replace Tony Alford, who accepted the same role at Michigan on Wednesday.

Rumors began to circulate, as many Ohio State insiders suggested George would be the best replacement for Alford. George finished his Ohio State career with 3,768 rushing yards and 44 rushing touchdowns. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1995 and was selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.

George is 15-18 over three seasons at Tennessee State, including a 6-5 season in 2023. It was the Tigers' first winning season since 2017. The Tigers are primed to compete for the first conference title since 1999 next season. Tennessee State will be led by Buck Buchanan Award winner Terrell Allen, who led the nation with 28 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in 2023. 

May also reported that George suggested that former Ohio State running back Pepe Pearson may be interested in the job. Pearson has spent 22 seasons at the college level, including stints at Tennessee State, Marshall, and Youngstown State.

To nip one rumor in the bud, former @OhioStateFB Heisman-winning RB @EddieGeorge27 now @TSUTigersFB HC tells me he is NOT interested in now-open OSU rb job. But his current RB coach and former @OhioStateFB rb Pepe Pearson likely is.

— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) March 13, 2024

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