Bobby Bowden, the long-serving Florida State football coach, who ranks second in Division I wins all time, has passed away, the school announced Sunday morning.He was 91.Bowden was diagnosed in July with a terminal medical condition. Although he did not reveal the exact nature of the condition at the time, his son Terry later revealed to reporters that it was pancreatic carcinoma.Bowden stated that he had always sought to fulfill God's purposes for his life. He also said that he was prepared for the future. My wife Ann and my family are the greatest blessings in my life. "I am at peace."Bowden also had to deal with what he described as a "tough bout" of COVID-19 2020. This occurred a few days after Bowden returned home from a long hospital stay due to an infection in his leg.Bobby Bowden was second in Division I wins with 357 wins. Jeffrey Boan/AP ImagesRobert Cleckler Bowden was born in Birmingham in 1929. As a child, he was sickly and had rheumatic fever. He spent a lot of his childhood in bed. Bowden discovered a passion for football while listening to radio broadcasts. While Alabama games didn't cure Bowden's illness, he did listen to them on the radio. It was certainly his calling. Bowden was able to play football at Woodlawn High School, with hopes of playing for the Crimson Tide.He did, and he was a quarterback. But love won out.Alabama's policy was at that time that freshmen could not get married. But Bowden wanted to marry Ann Estock, his high school sweetheart. He did so and was forced to quit his Tide job.He played quarterback at Howard College (now Samford University). He played track and baseball.Bowden was a Howard assistant after he graduated. This led to another job as an athletic director at South Georgia College and then as the head coach at Howard in 1959. He remained there until 1962.In that time, his coaching skills grew as did his desire to coach at larger schools.From 1963 to 1965, his University Division (now Football Bowl Subdivision), start was with the Seminoles as wide receivers coach. From 1966 to 1969, he was the offensive coordinator in West Virginia. In 1970, he was appointed head coach and had a record of 42-26 with the Mountaineers.Bowden was greatly affected by the tragic Marshall plane accident in 1970. This happened in his first year of being head coach. Bowden petitioned NCAA to allow him to wear Marshall jerseys in his final game as head coach. However, the NCAA refused. Instead, players added "MU" and green crosses to their helmets.Later, he said that Marshall wanted him as its next head coach. Bowden chose Florida State in 1976 because it was closer to his mom and Tallahassee was warmer. Although they were only 5-6 in their first year of being Seminoles head coaches, it was the only loss in 34 seasons at FSU. Bowden invited the Seminoles to their first bowl game in 1982. This would see them make 28 consecutive bowl appearances, and lead to national championships in 1999 and 1993. The Seminoles won at most 10 games in 14 consecutive seasons that ended in 2000. They were ranked among the top five in the AP poll for 14 consecutive years.In that time, he was a Florida State legend and a legend of college football in general. Joe Paterno, Penn State coach, was neck-and-neck at Nos. Numbers 1 and 2 are the most successful coaches. Bowden announced his retirement in 2009 His last years as a coach weren't great."Nothing lasts forever," Bowden said. Bowden announced his retirement, saying that he had enjoyed many wonderful years at Florida State. "Hadn’t done as well lately as I would have liked, but I’ve had wonderful years and no regrets."Urban Meyer, a former Florida Gators coach, shared his condolences on Twitter.Today we have lost a legend. Bobby was a mentor and friend to me. His impact was far beyond the coaching profession. We send our love to Ann Bowden and her entire Bowden family.Rest In Peace Coach Bowden. pic.twitter.com/om6LRmkkIo Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) August 8, 2021After Bowden had officially retired, the Seminoles were handed over to Jimbo Fisher, who was named successor in 2007. Bowden's career was completed with a victory at the 2009 Gator Bowl. The NCAA removed 12 wins from Florida State's 2006 and 2007 seasons after they found that FSU had committed athletic fraud. He is second only to Paterno with 357 career wins.Bowden was married to Terry and they had six children. Bobby Bowden, a devout Christian, has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award named after him. Bobby Bowden National Collegiate coach of the Year Award is named after him. He was also a part of a Birmingham football club. Nick Saban, Alabama coach, received the first award of this type. Bowden presented the award to Saban.Bowden was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame (2006).
