Bobby Bowden

Early life and education

Bowden was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of Bob Bowden and Sunset () Bowden. When he was 13 years old, Bowden was diagnosed with rheumatic fever, which led to a six-month hospital stay. After his discharge, Bowden was confined to his bed at home for just over a year. While ill, Bowden passed the time by listening to World War II news reports on the radio, which sparked his interest in World War II, which endured for the rest of his lifetime. Also around this time, he began to follow college football; he listened to University of Alabama football on Saturday mornings.

Bowden was an outstanding football player at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, and accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Alabama as a quarterback. He then returned to Birmingham after only one semester and eloped with his high school sweetheart, Ann Estock, on April 1, 1949.

Bowden then transferred to Howard College, now known as Samford University, where he played football, baseball, ran track, and became a brother in Pi Kappa Alpha. In his junior year, he was elected president of Pi Kappa Alpha. In his senior year, he was re-elected as Pi Kappa Alpha president and became captain of the Samford football team, where he garnered "Little All-America" honors as quarterback. The Howard College faculty nominated him for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges in recognition of his academic and athletic leadership. Bowden graduated from Howard in 1953.

Early coaching career

Bowden graduated from Howard in 1953, and began his coaching career at his alma mater, that fall as an assistant football coach in charge of the backfield under Earl Gartman. He left Howard in 1955 to become athletic director as well as head football, baseball, and basketball coach at South Georgia College. After a losing basketball season, Bowden fired himself as head coach. His baseball teams at South Georgia won three consecutive state titles. Bowden then returned to Howard as head coach, where he compiled a 31–6 record between 1959 and 1962. In 1962, Bowden went to Florida State University as an assistant coach under head coach Bill Peterson. Bowden left Florida State in 1965 to go to West Virginia University (WVU) as an assistant under Jim Carlen. When Carlen left following the 1969 season to become head coach at Texas Tech, Bowden replaced him. Bowden then compiled a 42–26 record at WVU before returning to FSU as head coach in 1976.

During Bowden's first year as head coach at WVU, the football team of the state's other top-division school, Marshall University, was killed in a plane crash. He asked NCAA permission to wear Marshall jerseys and play Marshall's final game of the 1970 season against Ohio, but was denied. In memory of the victims of the crash, Mountaineers players put green crosses and the initials "MU" on their helmets. Bowden allowed Marshall's new head coach Jack Lengyel and his assistants access to game film and playbooks to acquaint themselves with the veer offense, a variation of the option offense which aids teams with weak offensive lines. Lengyel credits Bowden with helping the young Thundering Herd recover. Bowden reportedly became emotional while viewing the movie We Are Marshall, and has said that he was the original candidate for the Marshall head coaching job filled by crash victim Rick Tolley.

Florida State

Bowden returned to Florida State in 1976, hired as head coach in January; fourteen years earlier in 1962, he had chosen to coach the FSU wide receivers because the climate was warmer in Tallahassee than in Morgantown, and because Tallahassee was closer to Birmingham, Alabama, where his mother and mother-in-law both lived. The Seminoles had a dismal record over the previous three seasons (1973–75) and he planned to stay only briefly before taking a better job, perhaps at Alabama. Bowden's initial four-year contract at FSU in 1976 paid $37,500 annually, a minor increase of $2,500 over his 1975 salary at West Virginia, which only granted one-year contracts at the time.

Bowden was successful very quickly at Florida State. After his second year in 1977, Bowden faced rumors he would leave for another job; the team went 9–2, compared to the four wins total in the three seasons before Bowden. He said he would be content to finish his career at Florida State, however, and reportedly told another athletic-department employee he would "never coach anywhere north of Tallahassee". During 34 years as head coach he had only one losing season–his first, in 1976–and declined head coaching job offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, and the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons. From 1987 to 2000, the Seminoles finished every season with at least 10 wins and in the top 5 of the Associated Press College Football Poll, and won the national championship in 1993 and 1999. The team was particularly dominant after joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 1992, winning or sharing nine consecutive conference titles from 1992 to 2000, and only losing two conference games in that stretch. They were ranked in the AP Poll for all but three weeks from 1987 to 2005. This included 211 consecutive weeks from 1989 to 2001, the second-longest streak in college football history at the time.

Bowden's tenure crested with a third consecutive appearance in the national championship game after the 2000 season, a loss to Oklahoma in the 2001 Orange Bowl. They opened the following season with an upset 41–9 loss to North Carolina, only the third loss they had ever suffered in ACC play. They finished 8–4, the first time they had lost that many games in 15 years. It also marked the first time since joining the ACC where they did not win at least a share of the ACC title; indeed, their two losses in ACC play were as many as they had suffered in their first nine years in the league. From then on, Bowden notched one more appearance in the top 10 of a final media poll, in 2003–which was also the last time he won 10 games in a season.

In 2006, Florida State finished 7-6, its worst record since Bowden's first season. The Seminoles also suffered their first losing record in ACC play since joining the league. Following that season, LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher was hired to take the same post in Tallahassee. Following another 7-6 season in 2007, Fisher was designated as Bowden's successor, and was slated to take over the program no later than 2011. The Seminoles rebounded to 9-4 in 2008, but after barely qualifying for a bowl in 2009, Bowden was forced to announce his retirement effective at the end of the season.

The Bowden Bowl

Since both Florida State and Clemson are in the same division of the ACC for football, the two teams played each other every year from 1999 through 2007 in a game that became known as the "Bowden Bowl". Their 1999 meeting was the first time in Division I-A history that a father and a son met as opposing head coaches in a football game. Bobby held the edge in the series 5–4, with all four losses within the last five games.

One Bowden Bowl was scheduled between Auburn and Florida State for 1999 when Terry Bowden was the coach at Auburn. However, Terry's midseason resignation in 1998 ended the possibility of a Bowden Bowl. Another Bowden Bowl was scheduled between Clemson and Florida State in 2008, but Tommy Bowden's resignation halfway through the year ended the Bowden Bowls.

Personal life

Bowden married Ann Estock, his childhood sweetheart, in 1949 and the couple raised six children and 21 grandchildren. Bowden was a Christian who credited his success in football to his faith.

Bowden was not the only member of his family to have coached Division I-A football. His son Tommy Bowden was the head coach at Clemson University. Another son, Terry Bowden, was the head coach at Auburn University, where he was the 1993 Coach of the Year. A third son, Jeff Bowden, was the offensive coordinator at Florida State. All three Bowden men who were head coaches have achieved an undefeated season: Terry in 1993 at Auburn; Tommy in 1998 at Tulane; and Bobby in 1999 at Florida State. Bobby's 1993 and 1999 Florida State teams were the only ones to win a national championship, however.

Bowden twice endorsed and supported U.S. President Donald Trump, in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

Bowden's first cousin once removed is journalist and author Mark Bowden.

Illness and death

Bowden was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October 2020.

The following year, on July 21, 2021, it was reported that Bowden was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition. On July 23, his son reported that the condition was pancreatic cancer. On August 5, word began to filter from the Florida State faithful that Bowden was not doing well and his family was being told to gather. Bobby Bowden died on the morning of August 8, 2021.

He lay in honor in the rotunda of the Florida Capitol Building on August 13. He then lay repose at the Moore Athletic Center outside of Doak Campbell Stadium later that day. A memorial service was held for Bowden in the Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee on August 14. Bowden then lay in repose in the Reid Chapel at Samford University on August 15, prior to burial in Trussville, Alabama. on August 16.

Legacy

Awards

Bowden was awarded the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award for 1980. He received the Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award for 1991. In 1992 Bowden received the United States Sports Academy's Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award in recognition of his outstanding achievement as a coach.

In 2004, the playing surface at Doak Campbell Stadium was named Bobby Bowden Field in Bowden's honor. The stadium's capacity more than doubled through four expansions under his watch, reflecting the Seminoles' rise.

Awards named after him

On March 21, 2010, the Over the Mountain Touchdown Club of Birmingham, Alabama presented the first annual Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year Award, named in honor of Bowden and the contributions that he made during his career. The award recognizes a coach each year with unmatched success on and off of the field in the same attributes that Bowden showed throughout his career: perseverance, attitude, integrity, and determination. University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban was the first recipient of the award, and it was presented by Bowden himself. The award is presented each year after national signing day and before the commencement of Spring practice.

In 2003, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes presented the first of what is now a yearly award in Bowden's name. The award was initiated by former Bowden assistant coach Vince Gibson and former Bowden player Vernon Brinson. It honors one college football player for his achievements on the field, in the classroom and in the community. In 2013, the Seminole Tribe of Florida became the official sponsor of the award. The Seminole Tribe of Florida Bobby Bowden Student-Athlete of the Year Award is presented each year prior to the College Football Playoff (CFP) national title.

In 2011, in recognition of his philanthropic efforts with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bowden received the Children's Champion Award for Leadership Development from the charitable organization Children's Hunger Fund.

Head coaching record

College football

In his 44 seasons as a college football head coach, Bowden had 40 winning seasons (including 33 consecutive at Florida State), and 36 Division I-A winning seasons. From 1987 through 2000, Bowden coached Florida State to 14 straight seasons with 10 or more victories, and his team had a final ranking in the top five of the major polls.

^ The 1983 season includes a forfeit win vs. Tulane.

‡ For the 2006 and 2007 seasons 12 wins, including 6 conference wins, were vacated for use of ineligible players. 5 wins from 2006 (including 2 conference wins) and 7 wins from 2007 (including 4 conference wins) were ultimately vacated by the NCAA.

Coaching tree

Assistant coaches under Bobby Bowden who became NCAA head coaches:

• Brad Scott
• Mark Richt
• Chuck Amato
• Tommy Bowden
• Terry Bowden
• Rick Stockstill
• Skip Holtz
• Kirby Smart
• Daryl Dickey
• Jimbo Fisher
• Manny Diaz

Bibliography

Bobby Bowden has co-authored several books, including:

• Winning's Only Part of the Game: Lessons of Life and Football (1996) ()
• The Bowden Way: 50 Years of Leadership Wisdom (2001) ()
• Bobby Bowden's Tales from the Seminole Sideline (2004) ()
• Called to Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith, and Football (2010) ()

Books about Bobby Bowden's early coaching years:

• Bobby Bowden: Memories of a Legend and His Boys from South Georgia College (2008) ()

Books about Bobby Bowden's entire career:

• Bobby Bowden: Win By Win (2003) ()
• *Bowden: How Bobby Bowden Forged a Football Dynasty * (2003) ()
• Pure Gold: Bobby Bowden – An Inside Look (2004) ()

Books that feature contributions from Bobby Bowden:

• Grateful: From Walking on to Winning It All at Florida State by Ryan Sprague, (2010) ()

References

Footnotes

References

1. Litman, Laken. (August 12, 2019). "The Greatest Coaches in College Football History".
2. (December 10, 2019). "The 150 greatest coaches in college football's 150-year history". ESPN.
3. Vasta, Dan. (October 13, 2011). "College Football: The Top 50 Coaches Of All Time". Bleacher Report.
4. Mcguire, Kevin. (March 10, 2009). "Bobby Bowden-Joe Paterno: The Amazing Race?". Bleacher Report.
5. Maisel, Ivan. (March 6, 2009). "FSU penalties to impact wins race". ESPN.
6. (2007). "Official 2007 NCAA Division I Football Records Book". The National Collegiate Athletic Association.
7. "Bobby Bowden profile". seminoles.com.
8. (July 11, 2009). "Florida State Seminoles players sorry scandal could cost Bobby Bowden". ESPN.
9. (January 5, 2010). "Florida State Seminoles penalty upheld; Bowden faces losing 14 wins". ESPN.
10. "Bobby Bowden wins last game, but can't beat NCAA". jacksonville.com.
11. Tom D'Angelo @tomdangelo44. "Coronavirus Florida: Bobby Bowden lived through World War II, rheumatic fever but never has seen anything like this: 'I'm really concerned … That's why I'm staying home' – Sports – The Palm Beach Post – West Palm Beach, FL". The Palm Beach Post.
12. Rousos, Rick. "Bowden: From the Sick Bed to the End Zone – News – The Ledger – Lakeland, FL". The Ledger.
13. (August 8, 2021). "'A Hall of Fame legacy:' Remembering the one-of-a-kind life and career of Bobby Bowden".
14. Weathers, Ronald. (August 16, 1953). "Bowden returns as Howard aid". [[The Birmingham News]].
15. . (September 1, 1955). ["30 Expected As Bulldogs Open Drills"](https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald/179176197/). *[[Birmingham Post-Herald]]*.
16. (June 7, 2015). "Bobby Bowden visits Douglas, South Georgia State College for annual reunion". Douglasnow.com.
17. Weathers, Ronald. (May 10, 1959). "Bobby Bowden coming back to guide Howard football". [[The Birmingham News]].
18. Garry Smits. "Early years: Bowden made the right call as offensive coordinator – Sports – The Florida Times-Union – Jacksonville, FL". Jacksonville.com.
19. The Times-Union. "Movie opens old wounds for Bowden – Jacksonville.com".
20. (January 13, 1976). "Bowden takes over as Seminoles' chief". Daytona Beach Morning Journal.
21. (August 8, 2021). "Longtime Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden dies at 91". ABC News.
22. (December 13, 1977). "Report: VPI wooing Bowden". St. Petersburg Times.
23. Bowden, Bobby. (August 31, 2010). "A Tenure Longer Than Expected and Shorter Than Desired". The New York Times.
24. (December 2, 2009). "Bobby Bowden's Career Milestones".
25. Rosenblatt, Richard. (November 13, 2002). "Florida State Set to Gain Bowl Spot". Myplainview.com.
26. (November 18, 2001). "Hill drives Terps to ACC title". Baltimore Sun.
27. (November 5, 2009). "No more Bowden Bowl helps ease family tension". The St. Augustine Record.
28. Kallsted, Brent. (November 8, 2008). "Bowden Bowl gone, but Clemson-FSU game's still big". The Herald.
29. Henry, Jim. (April 6, 2019). "FSU's Bobby and Ann Bowden celebrate 70 years of marriage". Tallahassee Democrat.
30. "The 700 Club – Bobby Bowden: A Legacy of Coaching Champions for Christ".
31. Herald, The Gospel. (December 5, 2016). "Legendary Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden on Family, Faith, and The Key to Success (Interview)". Christian News, The Gospel Herald.
32. Writer, Andrew Bagnato, Tribune College Football. (January 3, 1999). "BOWDEN: THE DADDY OF 'EM ALL".
33. (October 22, 2020). "After recovering from COVID-19, FSU coach Bobby Bowden endorses Donald Trump".
34. (April 1, 2012). "Bowden: 1958 Colts-Giants championship an NFL game changer". [[Palm Beach Daily News]].
35. (October 6, 2020). "Bobby Bowden, Florida State Seminoles great, back in hospital due to COVID-19". [[ESPN]].
36. (October 5, 2020). "FSU legendary coach Bobby Bowden tests positive for COVID-19, watching out for symptoms". Tallahassee Democrat.
37. (July 22, 2021). "Bobby Bowden battling pancreatic cancer, according to son".
38. "Bobby Bowden dies: Legendary coach built Florida State into college football powerhouse". Eu.tallahassee.com.
39. "Service Details Set for Bobby Bowden".
40. "Previous Winners". The Dodd Trophy.
41. Sallee, Barrett. (October 6, 2020). "Legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden readmitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19". CBS.
42. "SFCPressPoint: Alabama's Nick Saban to Receive Coach of the Year Award on United States Sports Academy Campus".
43. (April 7, 2010). "Low: Alabama's delayed gratification".
44. Schlabach, Mark. (8 August 2021). "'A Hall of Fame legacy': Remembering the one-of-a-kind life and career of Bobby Bowden". ESPN.
45. (January 5, 2013). "AU's Ashton Richardson wins Bobby Bowden Award".
46. "A Look Back at the Children's Champion Award Celebration Banquet in Chicago".
47. Joey, Knight. "Well dadgum, Florida State legend Bobby Bowden is turning 90". [[Tampa Bay Times]].
48. Layden, Tim. "Bobby Bowden death: FSU coach was a college football giant – Sports Illustrated". Si.com.
49. (December 1, 2009). "Bobby's 'Brutal' Boot Camp". The Ledger.
50. "Bobby Bowden". [[Florida State Seminoles football.
51. "Bobby Bowden Coaching Record". sports-reference.com.
52. "Clemson's Jeff Scott has fond memories of former FSU coach Bobby Bowden". Greenvilleonline.com.
53. (January 1, 2002). "Bobby Bowden's faith-filled influence left an impression on Mark Richt". Jacksonville.com.
54. "Longtime Florida State coach Chuck Amato says goodbye to Bobby Bowden". Fayobserver.com.
55. "Montgomery Quarterback Club: Tommy Bowden 'born to coach'". Montgomeryadvertiser.com.
56. (January 19, 2021). "Bobby Bowden dies: His son Terry reflects on passing of legendary coach". Thenewsstar.com.
57. "Bobby Bowden among College Football's Top Coaching Trees". 247sports.com.
58. "On eve of Notre Dame-Florida State, revisiting the Game of the Century". Usatoday.com.
59. (July 1, 2014). "Kirby Smart explains why Nick Saban and Bobby Bowden are 'polar opposites'".
60. (January 12, 2001). "EX-VOL QB TO COACH FSU QBS". Orlando Sentinel.
61. (August 29, 2014). "Jimbo Fisher: Coach-in-waiting worked out, but it wasn't smooth". Oklahoman.com.
62. Henry, Jim. (January 13, 2016). "Former 'Nole Diaz returns home to Miami". Tallahassee.com.