Welcome to

FSU Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden announced his retirement today, after being given the option to stay at the school in a reduced capacity. Bowden met with his players this afternoon, then told the world he was leaving. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, this is the end of an era.

Most FSU Students, and even some professors, weren’t yet born when Bobby Bowden came to Florida State in 1976.

Wearing a wireless microphone in 1984, these pictures show an engaged Bowden on the sidelines.

“Hell yeah, we need to go for it.”

His go-for-it mentality, which often included trick plays, became a trademark.

“Let’s get some touchdowns, boys. Just sitting there watching them damn field goals.”

In 1984, the stadium barely held 50 thousand people. Today, at 88,500, it is the largest in the ACC. Inside are two national championship trophies, and two Heisman’s from those championship years.

Bowden gave University officials his decision during a meeting at his home Tuesday morning.

Both business leaders in town, and students here at Florida State seem to agree on one thing: the departure was handled about as well as a fumbled punt return.

Gainesville student Trea Brown chose FSU over UF because of Bowden. He is sorry to see him go.

“Shoving him out after all he’s done for the university is just the wrong way to go,” Brown said. “It’s bad PR, and in the long-term it’s going to cause more damage than good.”

Bowden chose to avoid reporters but he did videotape a message.

“Haven’t done as good lately as I wish I could have, but I’ve had wonderful years,” Bowden said. “No regrets.”

Both his offensive and defensive captains say neither would have come to FSU had it not been for Bowden.

“We’re a little sad right now, but there’s a lot of motivation for us going into this bowl game,” FSU quarterback and Offensive team captain Christian Ponder said.

The legendary coach’s last game will likely be the Gator Bowl.

With 388 wins, Bobby Bowden is the second winningest coach in America. He trails Joe Paterno of Penn State by 5 wins. Until FSU started losing games, Bowden was expecting to out last Paterno to hold the record for the most wins.