If there’s anything that you’ll come to learn about me, I love the history of football. From the NFL to College Football, I’ll do all I can to learn more about this game. When I decided to start analyzing NCAA Football in 2012, I knew there were a lot of things I was being introduced too. I’ve been fortunate to break down some classic rivalries such as Ohio State/Michigan, the Iron Bowl (Alabama/Auburn) and USC/Notre Dame to name a few. I also know there’ve been many legendary coaches in the sport. From Bear Bryant to Jimmy Johnson. I can even include Nick Saban. In Tallahassee, Florida, a man named Bobby Bowden ran the Florida State Seminoles football program. Yesterday, the legendary coach passed away at the age of 91 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
He’s one of the greatest head coaches in the history of college football. Prior to taking the job at Florida State, the Seminoles had a combined record of 4-29 over the last three seasons. In a quick start, Mr. Bowden became very successful with the football program. In just his second season, rumors floated around that he would leave Florida State to take another job. He denied those quickly. Also in his second year, the Seminoles went 9-2 which is more than the four wins they recorded in three years total. He loved his players and his players loved him back. As players, you develop strong relationships with your coaches. Many of his former players have labeled him as a father figure. Under Bowden, some big names who have become legends played at Florida State. Deion Sanders is one of those players. Derrick Brooks is another. Sought out by LSU, Auburn, Alabama and even the Atlanta Falcons, Coach turned down those offers to remain in Tallahassee.
Numbers don’t lie. Bowden turned Florida State into a perennial powerhouse in his tenure. In 34 seasons as the head coach at Florida State, the Seminoles won 12 ACC titles and two national championships in 1993 and 1999. In 14 straight seasons (1987-2000), Florida State finished in the AP top five. Also in those 34 years, he only recorded one losing season. Absolutely remarkable. The game of football lost a great man who transcended the coaching profession as Urban Meyer stated. Coach was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. My thoughts and condolences go out to the Bowden family, Florida State university and those who played for him and coached with him.
As great as his accomplishments are as a coach, he was an even greater man.
Being from Ohio, my Buckeyes are always my first love.
Moving to Florida when I was 7, you end up choosing a Florida School and mine was easily Florida State.
This was in the mid to late 80’s when it would have been easy to be a bandwagon fan and root for Miami.
My favorite part of Sunday was watching the highlight show.
He knew and treated his players like his own sons.
He would know where they were from, what high school they played for, the parents names, It was the absolute best recap show in college football.
My freshman year of college was the year after wode right.
Had I not gotten a full scholarship to NIU, I was an invited walk on for FSU.
You know who called me personally to invite me to be a Seminole, Bobby Bowden.
You know what he told me when I told him I had a scholarship offer to NIU?
Son, I would love you to be a Seminole, but I can offer you a scholarship today.
Its your choice but I am telling you to not pass up a full ride scholarship.,:
That is the greatness he was as a man and as a Christian.
Rest in Peace coach Bowden, it was a life well lived.