Bobby Bowden Retires - IT DESERVES ITS OWN THREAD!!!!

[zagoshe]

For ****'s sake, on three different threads this has been talked about and on all three people suggested it deserved its own thread. Here it is.....

http://nolesports.tallahassee.com/article/20091130/FSU03/91130018/Bowden-expected-to-retire-Tuesday

What is his legacy going to be?

I'd argue he is one of the five greatest coaches of all time but I can't quite figure out where to fit him in that top five.

 

[Crash]

Seems kinda weak that he's retiring via statement.

 

[playthrough]

Very weak.

 

[dooley_womack1]

We have a running Week 14 thread, guys.

 

[Bob Cook]

Is this where we talk about his impact on the Steelers?

 

[KYSportsWriter]

Did you have to type in all caps in the thread title?

 

[The Big Ragu]

He's 80 and he was just forced out. Weak maybe. But he didn't want it to end this way. He's having a tough time dealing with it, even if he was only a figure head. Love him or hate him, it's hard to get too down on him for not dealing with this well.

 

[zagoshe]

Seems kinda weak that he's retiring via statement.

Does anyone have any idea why this is a good idea? Does this perhaps suggest that he is not totally on board with this?

 

[zagoshe]

Did you have to type in all caps in the thread title?

HELL YES, IT REFLECTED ALL THE SCREAMING ABOUT STARTING A THREAD ON THE OTHER THREADS.....

 

[KYSportsWriter]

Did you have to type in all caps in the thread title?

HELL YES, IT REFLECTED ALL THE SCREAMING ABOUT STARTING A THREAD ON THE OTHER THREADS.....

Dude, chill.

 

[Elliotte Friedman]

Early in my sports radio career, me and another young reporter were trying to set up a college sports show in Toronto. So, the two of us, being young and stupid, called Florida State to do an interview with him. He actually did it. I didn't understand the significance of it then, but, as I look back, I can't believe he actually agreed to talk to us. This was 1994, just after the Seminoles won a national championship.

It was also after the Free Shoes University scandal broke, and I asked Bowden if they were going to vacate the national championship. He sounded like he wanted to kill me. But, generally, he was friendly and folksy, giving good answers.

I laugh about it now, but is there another coach who would have done it? Not too many.

 

[zagoshe]

Did you have to type in all caps in the thread title?

HELL YES, IT REFLECTED ALL THE SCREAMING ABOUT STARTING A THREAD ON THE OTHER THREADS.....

Dude, chill.

You chill, I'm obviously joking.

 

[Gutter]

Seems kinda weak that he's retiring via statement.

Does anyone have any idea why this is a good idea? Does this perhaps suggest that he is not totally on board with this?

His interview with ESPN Radio this weekend seemed to indicate he wanted to step aside after next year, not this year.

 

[amraeder]

Early in my sports radio career, me and another young reporter were trying to set up a college sports show in Toronto. So, the two of us, being young and stupid, called Florida State to do an interview with him. He actually did it. I didn't understand the significance of it then, but, as I look back, I can't believe he actually agreed to talk to us. This was 1994, just after the Seminoles won a national championship.

It was also after the Free Shoes University scandal broke, and I asked Bowden if they were going to vacate the national championship. He sounded like he wanted to kill me. But, generally, he was friendly and folksy, giving good answers.

I laugh about it now, but is there another coach who would have done it? Not too many.

All the stories I've ever heard of people interacting with him have been like this one. They've all made me think he's a class act.

 

[Jesus_Muscatel]

Nice job by the Tallahassee Democrat guys.

I just wish Steve Ellis were still around to report this story.

Best wishes in your retirement, Mr. Bowden.

And good luck, Mr. Fisher. You'll need it.

 

[Armchair_QB]

All indications are he did want to stay one more year but the admin wouldn't let him.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

He should get one last year, IMO.

 

[mustangj17]

I think it is sad that a coach with such a great record and a long tenure at school gets forced out because of a few bad seasons. Granted he is old, but can't the have him as a figure head or something, like JoePa?

I mean what is going on in Happy Valley? JoePa can't be coaching that team, but who cares? He gives great quotes and his teams have been on fire for 3-4 years.

 

[zagoshe]

I think it is sad that a coach with such a great record and a long tenure at school gets forced out because of a few bad seasons. Granted he is old, but can't the have him as a figure head or something, like JoePa?

I mean what is going on in Happy Valley? JoePa can't be coaching that team, but who cares? He gives great quotes and his teams have been on fire for 3-4 years.

His teams have mastered the art of beating nobody and avoiding upsets the past 3-4 years - which is all you need to do to be a 10-win team these days.

 

[Crash]

OK, so aside from the statement deal, which I think is lame, I do feel for Bowden. I don't care if the guy is 100, he deserves to coach until he doesn't want to coach anymore.

The guy is Florida State football. Sure, there comes a time to move on, but you don't force out a guy who has done that much for the program. I mean, how many other college athletic programs can be defined so much by one person. When you think Florida State, you think Bobby Bowden.