By Mark Pszonak
With the news that Eddie George has taken the head coaching job at Bowling Green, there is an unexpected opening in March at FCS Tennessee State. George was able to revitalize the program, which included a playoff appearance in 2024, so who will the Tigers hire to keep the momentum going? Here are a few possible candidates:
Fred McNair
McNair, who is 56 years old, is currently the tight ends coach at Southern. He has head coaching experience at an HBCU, Alcorn State, where he manned the team from 2016 to 2023. During this time, he led the Braves to a 48-33 record and two SWAC West Championships and Celebration Bowl appearances. McNair is a known commodity who would be both a successful and safe hire. And yes, he is the brother of legendary quarterback Steve McNair.
Brandon Fisher
Fisher, the son of former Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, has been the defensive coordinator at Tennessee State for four years. Having grown up in the area, he is well respected in and around the Nashville area. He has earned this possible promotion while leading a successful defense during his four years with the Tigers.
Joe Bowden
Bowden, who is 55 years old, began his coaching career in 2006 after being a star linebacker at Oklahoma and then playing in the NFL with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys. Since starting at Central Oklahoma, he has also coached in the NFL before returning to Tennessee to coach with the Tigers in 2021. As an assistant head coach and linebackers coach, Bowden became George’s right-hand-man, which would make this the easiest transition for the program.
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Wildcard(s)
With Norfolk State (Michael Vick) and Delaware State (DeSean Jackson) recently hiring former NFL players who are now first-time coaches, here are two suggestions that fit that mold. Terrell Owens is familiar with the area and the level of football, having played at Chattanooga. With his outgoing personality, it should make him a top-level recruiter. The other wildcard is Marcus Spears. A native of Louisiana and star at LSU, Spears, who is only 42 years old, has focused his post-playing career on television with frequent appearances on ESPN’s Get Up, First Take and Monday Night Countdown and NFL Network’s NFL Live. He has the personality and energy to succeed as a head coach.
