Bobby Bowden: A sad ending to a glorious career

Bobby Bowden says he was pushed out at Florida State and doubts the relationship with FSU president T.K. Wetherell can be repaired, even though 50 years ago Wetherell was a Florida State wide receiver whose position coach was … Bobby Bowden.

As for the push out, no kidding. I know Florida State painted Bowden’s departure as his decision, but no one was buying that. We all knew Wetherell finally found the gumption to make a much-needed change.

Florida State produced one of the nation’s greatest college dynasties; 14 straight years placing in the top four in the nation, 1987-00. Bowden won national titles in 1993 and 1999.

Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, left, shakes hands with running back Jermaine Thomas during the third quarter of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game against West Virginia after Thomas scored a touchdown, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida State won 33-21, in Bowden's last game. (AP Photo/Phil Coale) ORG XMIT: FLPC219

Before Bowden’s 1976 arrival as head coach, Florida State was a so-so program with no status in college football. He turned the Seminoles into a power the way Bud Wilkinson turned Oklahoma into a power.