Nobody wanted it to happen but, reality is this situation was going to happen sooner than later.
After another loss on Saturday coach Bobby Bowden said Sunday morning he isn’t planning on quitting anytime soon.
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. After more than a few years in decline, Florida State is no longer the powerhouse they were, or want to be.
In a statement most some people saw coming but, hoped it wouldn’t – Jim Smith, the chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, told the Tallahassee Democrat it’s time for a change.
“My hope is frankly that we’ll go ahead, and if we have to, let the world know that this year will be the end of the Bowden era,” said Smith, according to the newspaper. “… I do appreciate what he’s done for us, what he’s done for the program, what he’s done really for the state of Florida. But I think the record will show that the Seminole Nation has been more than patient. We have been in a decline not for a year or two or three but I think we’re coming up on seven or eight. I think enough is enough.”
When Florida State brought Jimbo Fisher on board it was understood he would be Bowden’s successor after he stepped down.
After Saturday’s 28-21 loss at Boston College, it looks like FSU is wanting Fisher to take over the head coaching duties starting next season.
These thoughts not only are coming from the higher ups within the Football Program but two Florida newspapers, including the hometown Democrat, also said Bowden should call it a career at the end of this season.
“The love and admiration we all have for Bobby doesn’t put fans in the seats, money in the coffers or national championships in the trophy case,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi wrote. “Bobby used to be able to do all those things, but clearly he cannot anymore.”
Steve Ellis, the Democrat’s beat writer who frequently doubles up with opinion pieces, wrote that Florida State must make a tough decision while Bowden’s successor, Jimbo Fisher, calls the plays for the offense.
“It is time,” Ellis wrote in Sunday’s edition. “This should be Bowden’s last season.”
Bowden’s 384 wins are three fewer than Penn State coach Joe Paterno, the career leader in victories among major college coaches. Bowden turns 80 in just over a month, and has a contract that gives him the option to return in 2010 — but no later, or the school will have to pay Fisher a $5 million bonus.
Bowden, known for turning a program in shambles to a Nation Powerhouse, and affable personality that will be remember forever, said Sunday that he’d make the decision on his future in conjunction with the university president when the time is right.
“We are the ones who will determine what we do and what kind of progress we make,” Bowden said. “I will determine my situation. I won’t let some guys’ speculation tell me when to move.”
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