Bowling Green's football program is undergoing a substantial transformation in its coaching hierarchy as it gears up for the 2026 season, the second under the leadership of head coach Eddie George. This comprehensive restructuring includes significant internal promotions for offensive and defensive coordinator roles, aiming to infuse new strategic direction into the team. The changes reflect a concerted effort to enhance team performance and build a competitive roster, with several new faces and elevated responsibilities among the coaching personnel. The Falcons are looking to rebound from a challenging previous season and are optimistic that these adjustments will pave the way for a more successful campaign.
The offensive and defensive units at Bowling Green will feature new leadership from within the existing staff. Greg Nosal, previously the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator, has been elevated to the full-time offensive coordinator position since December. This move signals a belief in Nosal's ability to guide the team's offensive strategy. On the defensive side, Joe Bowden, who served as the linebackers coach, has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator, succeeding Brandon Fisher. Bowden's transition to this role marks his first time as an FBS defensive coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience from both his NFL playing career with the Tennessee Titans and his coaching stints, including as a special teams assistant for the St. Louis Rams and inside linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers. His internal promotion is expected to provide continuity and leverage his familiarity with the team's defensive structure, which performed creditably in the previous season.
Further changes extend to the special teams department, following Alex Bayer's departure to Syracuse. Greg Froelich has been brought in as the new special teams coordinator. Froelich's background includes serving as the special teams quality control coach at Washington in 2025, and prior to that, he held the special teams coordinator position at Charlotte from 2023-24 under Biff Poggi. His experience also encompasses special teams analyst roles at Illinois and Michigan, where he also played offensive line. These appointments highlight the team's commitment to strengthening all facets of its operations. Additionally, the Falcons have made several other adjustments to the 2026 coaching staff. Richard McNutt, the secondary coach, has taken on the additional responsibility of passing game coordinator. Jack McCarthy has returned as an assistant offensive line coach, and Zac Garvin, formerly the special teams quality control coach, has been promoted to special teams analyst. Shane Aylward has been hired as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, and former quarterback Baron May has joined as an offensive analyst, bringing his recent playing experience to the analytical side of the game.
These comprehensive adjustments to the coaching staff reflect Bowling Green's proactive approach to improving its football program. Following a 4-8 record in Eddie George's inaugural year, the Falcons are actively pursuing a significant turnaround in the upcoming season. With the 2026 opener against Tarleton State at Doyt Perry Stadium less than seven months away, these strategic coaching changes are intended to foster a more competitive and successful team. The blend of internal promotions and new hires brings fresh perspectives and experienced leadership, all aimed at achieving marked improvement on the field.
