In 1979, Ed Bunio followed Boots Donnelly from the Austin Peay staff to MTSU to revive the sagging Blue Raider football program, starting a 16-year run as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach until he retired after the 1994 season. He was a driving force in the rebuilding of the Blue Raiders' football fortunes with his great defenses in the 1980's.
Among the players he sent to the pros were Don Griffin, Marty Carter and Mike Caldwell. He also coached the OVC's Defensive Player of the Year in 1982 (Dennis Mix), 1985 (Griffin), 1988 (Don Thomas), 1989 (Anthony Coleman) and 1990 (Carter).
Bunio also produced All-Americans Mix (1981 & 82), Tommy Barnes (1988), Kenny Tippins (1988), Jimmy McCamey (1989), and Caldwell (1992). He was described by his nominator as "a great teacher of young men, a great coach and a great friend."
