Bobby Bowden Being Forced Into Retirement?

[Runnik's Hambones]

On Sunday, 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."

Smith confirmed to the newspaper that Florida State president T.K. Wetherell and legal counsel Betty Steffens have been working with Bowden's successor, Jimbo Fisher, to finalize a head coaching contract.

Bobby said recently that he's not even close to being finished coaching, however the Noles are in a position they're not used to. 2-3 for the first time in 33 years, and 0-2 in the ACC for the first time ever.

What say you, Outlaws? Should Bobby be forced out of Tallahassee? Or should they all just let him finish his career as he wants to? :xpopcorn:

 

[mudloggerone]

I'm quick to say that Bobby should go, isn't it obvious? Then I think about the condition that Penn State was in not long ago. It seemed obvious to me that the game had passed Joe Paterno by. We all could see it couldn't we? Joe had to go. That's what gives me pause to be so quick to judge the career of Bobby. On one hand it seems clear that he's lost what it takes but then I wonder. And how long will Jimbo campout at Florida State and wait on the gig? LSU let him slip away and I'm sure that State doesn't want that to happen to them.

 

[RZR]

During a pre-game interview I watched on Saturday, preparing to play against Boston College, Bowden was asked if this was his last game at BC or would he be returning (in 2 years). Bobby indicated that he might be retired by then. So even if they let Bobby turn in his whistle on his own terms.... it may be sooner than later.

I remember a time when an FSU loss to BC was inconceivable - until it actually happened. The Bobby Era will be ending soon, one way or the other. Sad, but filled with many many fond memories.

 

[catman]

I would like to see Bobby Bowden leave on his own terms rather than being forced out. He deserves this sort of honor.

 

[Skedar120]

I would like to see Bobby Bowden leave on his own terms rather than being forced out. He deserves this sort of honor.

Exactly. This is how every FSU fan feels. If the same thing were to happen to Joe Paterno, all of Pennsylvania would be going crazy too. I think Bobby realizes that it may be time, but seriously, don't force the guy out.

 

[Runnik's Hambones]

Here's a thought: did anyone ever suspect that Jimbo is perhaps the issue with FSU? Not saying that he's a bad coach by any means, but imagine what having essentially 2 head coaches does. For recruiting, Bobby may want different types of players than Jimbo. Do they come together in the middle and take some players Bobby wants and some that Jimbo wants? Because that would ruin the chemestry of the team. On the other hand, are they recruiting only the kind of players Bobby wants? Does that have an affect on Jimbo's play calling and the way he runs the team? And who do the players answer to, exactly?

 

[RZR]

My favorite recent Bobby answer:
When Bobby was asked about the controversial 14 games he could lose, in an interview prior to the start of the FSU vs. Miami game, he said that even if they take these games away from him, he'll take them back when he goes to the grave.

Bobby's probably getting very tired of his coaching career getting attacked for off-field, non-football related drama. Not this his players are guilt-free but Bobby and FSU get a ton of attention for acts that are committed all over the Collegiate Arena.

 

[mudloggerone]

Does anyone remember what the FSU program was like before Bobby came to town?

 

[Sgt John]

It was a shithole. He took Florida State to the top of the mountain. Hes a God of college coaching.

But its time to leave. The man is 80 years old. If he loves Florida State he needs to let her go.

I love Texas until death. However, I used to catch two games a week for sure if at all possible. Texas and Florida State. If I had a son, Id want him to play for Mack Brown or Bobby Bowden, but its just at a point where its over now.

 

[n3twyrker]

First it's time for Bobby to go. He IS/WAS a football god and DID get them a great legacy. Second... there's too much going on in the background for the progress to take off. I think that the style of players wanted by each is a valid and good one. Also, I think Jimbo showed during the FSU-UM game that he can make great calls. I know they lost but there were some GREAT setup and gain plays. The bootleg to Easterling pass was a play that had been setup earlier and just a nice suave call...IMHO. Anyway, the difference between JoePa and Bobby now is that (product of scheduling or not) PennSt is still having success and FSU is not...not to the level FSU wants/needs.

 

[RZR]

... and FSU is not...not to the level FSU wants/needs.

True, as evident by the personally-conflicting FSU vs USF game. Not to discredit the amazing performance delivered by the Tampa Boys, but the Noles looked worse against the Bulls than they did against the Canes.

The BYU victory was sweeeet but this level of inconsistency is concerning. I wouldn't be surprised if Bowden lets himself rest after this season.

Florida has always been a College-Powerhouse state with UF, UM and FSU. Now, adding a head-turning USF contender to the mix will require FSU to step up their "A" game and figure out how to control their kicking game. And I agree with RH that the leadership roles between Jimbo and Bobby seem hazy and confusing for the players, with a side of tension.