Tallahassee, FL – Bobby Bowden, Famed football coach credited for putting the Florida State football program on the map, Passed away peacefully on Sunday. He was 91.
Bowden “passed peacefully” at his home, according to a statement from his daughter given to the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July.
“I’ve always tried to serve God’s purpose for my life, on and off the field, and I am prepared for what is to come,” Bowden said in a statement last month. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”
Bowden lead the Florida State Seminoles tp nine straight conference and national championships in the 90’s, and National Championships in 1993 and 1999. In particular, the 1999 team entered the preseason ranked as the country’s best and stayed there until the end, going a perfect 12-0 on the season.
Bowden retired from coaching at the end of the 2009 season after 44 seasons, which included six years at West Virginia University and 34 years at FSU. He coached his last game against his former school, West Virginia — a 33-21 victory in the 2010 Gator Bowl.
Frequent in-state rival coach Steve Spurrier former coach of the Florida Gators spoke about Bowden.
“Bobby Bowden was one of the all time greatest coaches in the history of college football. He’s the second winningest coach of all time behind Joe Paterno.” Said Spurrier “We had some good battles during my 12 years at Florida. He won most of them and we won a few.”
“I enjoyed our relationship after coaching as we served for Rising Stars which helps young men and women from difficult backgrounds go to college and be successful.”
A public funeral service for former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden will take place at Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, Aug. 14 according to the FSU athletic department. The service is set for 11 a.m. with doors opening to the public at 9:30.
