Bowden Gets A Nice Sendoff From the NCAA

"The NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee has upheld the decision to penalize Florida State for academic cheating, meaning retired football coach Bobby Bowden's record has been stripped of 14 victories (ESPN)."

Sucks for Bowden, but he wasn't going to be #1 anyways. I wonder if JoePa laughed about this? No, he probably just took some Metamucil, pooped, and then as gently placed in his bed....

Bobby Bowden Set To Retire

TALLAHASSEE -- Legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who built one of college football's greatest dynasties in 34 seasons with the Seminoles, plans to announce his retirement Tuesday morning, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com. ESPN


Bobby Bowden is a legend and today is a sad day for college football. Him along with JoePa might be the two biggest figureheads in college football. Bowden has 388 career wins. Apparently Bobby was given two options: return to FSU in 2010 as an ambassador to the program, in which he would have little input in the day-to-day operations of the program, or retire after the Seminoles' upcoming bowl game. He must have known that at 80 he can't do it anymore.

Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who was named Bowden's eventual successor near the end of the 2007 season, has agreed to contract terms to replace Bowden after this season. I still believe he could have done it for a couple more years, but apparently Florida State didn't. Jimbo Fisher will be a great head coach for FSU and it should be little to no transition for players whom have probably been coached by Fisher for years.

Defending Bobby Bowden

Up until right now I was up in the air about Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden, now I think they should let Bobby Bowden coach until he wants to retire. Bobby has built this program and is a legend in regards to college football. I don't care if they take away some of his duties like Joe Pa, but FSU just wont be the same without that old man with the silly hat on the sidelines. FSU has had some bad years recently, but he is recruiting in probably the most difficult state in the US. With Florida's recent success, The perks that come with Miami, and even South Florida being relevant recently FSU may be the third or fourth option for a stud recruit. I don't think Bobby Bowden's aura has gone down, and I believe in a couple of years FSU will be relevant again, they just need to ride it out with Bowden. Right now, they have a couple of talented QB's, decent WRs, and some young RBs. Florida State can't be rash when it comes to this decision, and they need to realize what they have had a legend for the game.

Bobby Bowden Should Probably Retire

Before I get into bashing Bobby Bowden, I believe he is one of the top coaches that ever lived and should have buildings at FSU named after him, for what he did with that program. He has been there 33 years and have 384 wins (which is only 3 behind Joe Pa)but....
Florida State is 2-3 for the first time since Bowden's inaugural season at the school 33 years ago, and 0-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time. Along with that he hasn't won a meaningful game in a while. He seems to have lost some of the Magic he once did. He is still getting recruits, but everyone knows it's Jimbo Fisher's time. Also, with all Florida programs doing pretty good, the loss to Boston College is going to be amplified.

Bobby Bowden To Return

Bobby Bowden says he'll be back for a 34th season as coach at Florida State.

The 79-year-old Bowden said Friday that details of his new contract are being finalized. He also said his longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews will return.

I love Florida State, and I love Bobby Bowden, but I think this should be his last year if he doesn't finish in the top ten. Bowden will go down as one of the legendary coaches in college football, but recently Florida State has sucked. They are stuck in mediocrity and can't always get over the hump. They seem to always be ranked in the mid 20's. I can tell you who will bring Florida State to greatness next year, and that is E.J. Manuel, so I hope Bobby can tell as well.