Q&A With Bobby Bowden: FSU Coach Looks Ahead
TALLAHASSEE | Bobby Bowden’s 34-year run as Florida State’s coach is coming to a close less than two weeks from today.
When the Seminoles play one of Bowden’s former teams, West Virginia, on Jan. 1 in the Gator Bowl, Bowden will be looking to retire with his 389th win.
Retirement will include more time for his passion – golf – and to read books on military history and travel with his wife, Ann.
Bowden, 80, sat down with The Ledger for a one-on-one interview Thursday morning and offered his thoughts on 56 years as a football coach and his future plans.
Q. What do you think your emotions will be on Jan. 1?
A. That I do not know. I sure don’t want to lose control of emotions. I don’t like tears. I don’t like sympathy. There are so dadgum many good memories after 56 years of coaching.
Q. What do you think your emotions will be on Jan. 2?
A. I think it will all be looking ahead. I do want to stay active, make it to speeches. Several groups have called me about jobs, which I won’t get into. I have to decide what to do.
Q. You’ve talked about being an evangelist and trying to help kids. What’s your message?
A. It would be speaking to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and to different churches. I’m a Christian. If any of them ask me to speak, I don’t turn them down if I’m free. I feel like I should. I was given the opportunity to coach young boys. I’d like to talk to them about doing right and wrong. Having some faith. A lot of them don’t get it, they don’t know it, they haven’t heard it before. I feel like that’s what I want to do. I’ve tried to do it with the players through the years.
TheLedger.com
12/22/9
Magnolia Tribune
