Bowling Green State University men’s soccer head coach Eric Nichols discussed his career and personal experiences in a story published on May 4. Nichols, who recently completed his 17th season leading the program, described pivotal moments that shaped both his professional path and family life.
Nichols said he left a computer consulting job early in his career to pursue coaching, despite initial financial uncertainty. “We just made it work somehow. We made it work,” Nichols said of taking his first assistant position at Ohio Wesleyan for $3,000 per year. He credited those early years with providing him valuable lessons beyond the sport itself: “It wasn’t necessarily as much about soccer, but on how to run a college program… It was literally a graduate degree in college coaching.”
After stints at Ohio Dominican and Davidson College, Nichols returned to Ohio when Bowling Green offered him the head coach position in 2009. Under his leadership, the Falcons improved their national ranking and produced five Major League Soccer SuperDraft picks. Reflecting on rebuilding the team culture after difficult years before his arrival, Nichols said: “The foundation of Bowling Green soccer when I got here was lacking… But once we reconnected, win, lose or draw, there’s one way we want to do it… We’re gonna fight; we’re gonna work; we’re gonna play for each other.”
Nichols also spoke about coaching his son Kale from 2018 to 2022 and how that experience gave him new perspective as both a father and coach: “Now I’m really seeing everything from a pre-season trip to a road trip… through [the players’] lens… It definitely made me a better coach.” The article recounts memorable moments such as Kale’s overtime goal against Louisville that secured Bowling Green’s first NCAA tournament victory since 1997.
The story also addresses personal tragedy—the loss of Nichols’ daughter Jordan in August 2023 due to complications from an appendectomy—and its ongoing impact on their family. “That was the darkest time in our life,” Nichols said. His wife Marianne reflected on their partnership through life’s highs and lows: “It’s a partnership in life… We’ve faced significant tragedy in our family and shared some incredible highs, and I know there are more great things ahead.”
Looking forward, Nichols remains focused on daily progress with the team rather than legacy or retirement plans: “I have not thought of that… I will try to do the best work we can do today.” He concluded by emphasizing what motivates him most: “Practice today. Practice was awesome. I can’t wait for practice tomorrow.”
