Briggs: Former UT coach finds unexpected but fulfilling next chapter

BOWLING GREEN — Mike Ward expected to be a college football coach this year, same as he was the past 36 seasons, when always another job awaited, usually up I-75, from Findlay to Bowling Green to Toledo, with a stop in the Big Ten in between.

But fate works in funny ways.

And if his next chapter is the least expected, Ward knows it could the most rewarding one.

Last week, after renewing the teaching license that had gathered dust for three decades, Ward accepted a position as a physical education teacher at Bowling Green Middle School. He will also be the defensive coordinator for the Bobcats’ high school football team.

“A very, very unique opportunity,” said Ward, who earned his master’s…