One of the greatest College Football coaches of all time appears to be retiring tomorrow. The Florida State great Bobby Bowden will enter the retirement community tomorrow according to most sources.
Bowden is currently second in College Football history with 388 wins only trailing the legendary Joe Paterno of Penn State. In my opinion, it is a shame that they are pushing this guy out like this. I realize that 6 and 6 does not cut it at Florida State. But does 2 National Titles and 14 consecutive top 5 finishes cut it?
I realize that Bowden at the age of 80 is probably not as involved with everything as he once was and serves as a figurehead similar to Joe Paterno. Remember when there was talk about pushing Paterno out a few years ago. All the sudden the program was revitalized into a Big 10 powerhouse. Now maybe this had nothing to do with Paterno and more to do with the Big 10 getting soft, but still they did not push the man out.
The way I look at, Bowden should have been given one more year to say goodbye. Sort of like a farewell tour type year. I understand that the Seminoles want to win now and next year is too late in their eyes. This is the mentality that was instilled in the program because of Bobby Bowden. But it is just a simple matter of respect. The man built them into a football haven, and after a few down years people have forgotten what wonderful things he has done.
Well Bobby, it was a great run and best of luck to you in your future endeavors. You will definitely go down as one of the greatest College Football coaches ever and nobody can take that away from you. Go relax on the beach now and spend some time with your family. 34 seasons of greatness at Florida State was a job well done.
Best of luck to Jimbo Fisher in revitalizing the program. It will not be easy in that Florida is a juggernaut, and Miami and South Florida are both getting strong. It may take a couple of years before the Seminoles can compete with the rival Gators again.
Stay tuned for the next edition of the Sportskraze.
-Kraze