Legendary former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden has died, the school announced Sunday morning. He was 91.
Bowden was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition last month. The Hall of Fame coach did not reveal specifics at the time, although his son Terry later told reporters that it was pancreatic cancer.
“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 announcing the condition. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”
Bowden tested positive for COVID-19 in October and also was hospitalized in June for five days.
“Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden,” university president John Thrasher said in a statement. “On behalf of everyone at FSU, Jean and I extend our deepest condolences to Ann and the Bowden family.
“Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with class and a sense of humor. While he leaves an incredible legacy as one of the best football coaches in collegiate history, he also will be remembered for his great faith, his love of family and his mentorship of countless young people. He will be profoundly missed.”
Current Seminoles coach Mike Norvell also honored Bowden for his qualities as a man, not just as a great football coach.
“Coach Bowden was one of the greatest coaches ever, but more than that he was an incredible man,” Norvell said in a statement. “He was a special human being who earned an enduring legacy because of his wonderful heart, faith and values he lived. It was the honor of my lifetime to know him and beyond anything I could dream to have a relationship with him.”
Former Florida coach Urban Meyer, one of Bowden’s coaching rivals, shared his condolences over social media.
“Today, we lost a legend. Bobby was a great friend and mentor to me, and his impact transcended the coaching profession in so many ways,” Meyer wrote on Twitter. “Sending love to Ann and the entire Bowden family. Rest In Peace Coach Bowden.”
Bowden served as the coach at West Virginia from 1970-75 before joining the Florida State program in 1976. He posted a 315-98-4 record with the Seminoles and guided the school to two national titles (1993, 1999) and 12 ACC championships (1992-2000, 2002-03, 2005).
Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
