Bobby Bowden to Retire on Friday

This week has been a roller coaster ride for Florida State. First, head coach Bobby Bowden said that he needed to do some soul searching about his role at the school. The next day, he came back and told everyone that he wanted to stay. Now, sources close to the coach and school say that on Friday, he’ll announce his retirement.

There aren’t many coaches in the same class a Bobby Bowden. Joe Paterno of Penn State comes to mind immediately, but few other coaches have spent so long with a single school, and regardless of good or bad seasons, this dedication has created a following and network of support for the school unlike what you’ll find at most other programs.

Image: Newscom

According to sources who have remained anonymous, Bowden was given two choices by FSU president TK Wetherell: retire after bowl season or come back next year in a very limited role as an ambassador to the football program. Jimbo Fisher, who was named Bowden’s successor in 2007, has already agreed to a contract, according to reports.

It was coming down to the wire, as the school would have owed Fisher $5 million if he wasn’t named head coach by 2011. While I don’t think the school should force Bowden out, I do think that it’s time for FSU to have some fresh ideas. The past few years haven’t been great for the Seminoles, with Bowden really peaking in the early 90s.