Reaction to Florida State coach Bobby Bowden announcing he will retire after 34 seasons with the Seminoles.
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“Bobby has been a tough competitor. He has meant an awful lot to the universities he coached and to the game of football overall. He and his wife, Ann, have dedicated their lives with untold hours to better the teams and universities they cared so much about. They will be missed by the coaching profession and college football. Sue and I wish them well.” – Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
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“Bobby Bowden is undoubtedly one of the greatest football coaches of all time. Throughout his career, Coach Bowden always led his team with heart and character. As a loyal ‘Nole, I think the world of him and wish only the best for him and his family. Florida State University’s football program has been blessed to have him as their coach for the past 34 seasons. God bless you, Coach!” – Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.
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y, and all of us who know him and care about him, can reflect with admiration on his remarkable career. Bobby accomplished a standard of excellence that is unparalleled in major college football. Having played his teams on several occasions, I can attest to the excellence of his coaching and his preparation. On top of his outstanding won-loss record, Bobby has always been an excellent role model and has stood for the highest standards in athletic competition. I wish Bobby and his family well.” – Former Nebraska coach and current athletic director Tom Osborne.
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“Few people have meant as much to college football as Bobby Bowden. He is a legendary figure in the truest sense of the word and a great ambassador for the game itself. There will be very few that will ever win as many games, but more impressive are his values and the impact he has had on those that have played for him and those that have had the privilege of working with him. Coach Bowden leaves a legacy that will be missed not only at Florida State, but in the Atlantic Coast Conference and all across college football. He is a gentleman and a true sportsman and I consider it an honor to have him as part of the ACC family.” – ACC commissioner John Swofford.
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University of Miami, you could always talk to him and have a good time with a man with a lot of wit, learn a lot from him.” – Miami coach Randy Shannon.
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“Coach Bowden has done everything you could do. Nobody but Joe (Paterno) could ever come close to it. When we came into existence here, Florida State was everything in college football. They kind of gave us the example of what you shoot for over the long term. He’s been great for college football.” – Southern California coach Pete Carroll said.
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“I hope he finds out there is another life out there beyond football. I hope he enjoys it. (Wife) Ann deserves it and he deserves it. He was one of the great ones. What he accomplished only a few have ever accomplished.” – Former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer.
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“He put Florida State on the map, and you would have to know what was there football-wise to appreciate what he did. He’s a legendary coach and a great guy.” Former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
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“I think it’s a bit of a disgrace for those making the decision for Bobby Bowden to retire. If Bobby Bowden wanted to stay one more year, I don’t understand why the Florida State nation could not come together and pull in the same direction to make that happen.” CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson.
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er Florida coach Steve Spurrier.
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“I’m certainly happy that Bobby has found a solution for this most unneeded situation he was put into because Bobby Bowden is truly one of the greatest coaches not only for the state of Florida but in the nation.” – Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger.
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“The reason I attended FSU is because of Coach Bowden. His legendary leadership, wisdom and faith motivated me throughout my life and football career. Indeed, it’s a sad day for all of FSU and the football world. Now, I can only hope the next coach can leave an indelible impression on young men the way Coach did when he sat in my living room.” – New York Jets running back Leon Washington.
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“It’s a sad day for college football and especially for so many coaches like me who Coach (Bowden) reached out to and had been such a good friend to for so many years. Coach Bowden is a person that I’ve always looked up to, sought guidance from and have such great respect and admiration for. He definitely gave more to college football, and those of us who love it so much, than he could ever have taken from it. He’s a great man and coach and will be sorely missed.” – Texas coach Mack Brown.
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and the lesson I learned that not only is winning games important, but also keeping the game in the proper perspective. I can only imagine how many lives have been impacted by him in a positive way including my own. Other than my father, he’s been the most influential man in my life.” – Georgia coach and former Florida State quarterback and offensive coordinator Mark Richt.
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“He had an unbelievable career and he’s such a good person. I almost hate to see it come to a close. What they accomplished in the ’90s, nobody will ever come close to that again. It was unbelievable. He meant so much to college football. I consider it an honor to have had a chance to coach against him. That’s how much I respect what he’s done. I wish things had worked out the way he wanted them to. But sometimes they don’t.” – Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson.
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“I think it’s the right decision for him. I don’t think there’s any question. He had been so good for so long. You just get compared to what you had and that just made it more difficult. I think he also wanted to have another real good year if he possible. That just makes it more difficult.” – Former BYU coach LaVell Edwards.
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been very well respected by everyone.” – Cal coach Jeff Tedford.
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