FLORIDA — Bobby Bowden, the folksy Hall of Fame coach who won more than 350 games and built Florida State into one of college football’s great dynasties with two national championships, has died. He was 91.
Bowden died after a battle with pancreatic cancer
His son, Terry, confirmed to The Associated Press that his father died early Sunday morning at home, surrounded by his family. Florida State also announced the news on social media.
Last month, Bowden’s family revealed that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He had been treated for prostate cancer more than a decade ago.
Bowden spent five days in a hospital in late June and had struggled to regain his strength, the Tallahassee Democrat’s Jim Henry reports. The former coach is receiving supervised care in his Tallahassee home, the report says.
Bowden was hospitalized last fall after testing positive for COVID-19, according to reports.
“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 had said in a statement through the university at that time. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”
With charm and wit, Bowden piled up 357 wins during his 40 years as a major college coach, from tiny Samford University — his alma mater, then known as Howard College — to West Virginia and finally at Florida State, where he went 315-98-4. The Seminoles were a force during his 34 seasons as coach, winning 12 Atlantic Coast Conference championships and national titles in 1993 and 1999.
Bowden retired following the 2009 season with a Gator Bowl win over West Virginia in Florida State’s 28th straight postseason appearance, a victory that gave him his 33rd consecutive winning season.
Many expressed their condolences on social media.
Today we lost a legend but you never lose a legacy. Rest In Peace Coach Bowden pic.twitter.com/f7pQpUPqbJ
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 8, 2021
Our condolences to the Bowden Family and the Florida State football program on the passing of Bobby Bowden, who was instrumental in making the UM-FSU rivalry one of the greatest in college football.
Rest in peace, Coach. pic.twitter.com/MdGuy1gGk5
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) August 8, 2021
A great coach, and an even better man. Praying for the Bowden family. https://t.co/2X7WYCHw4I
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) August 8, 2021
Florida & @FloridaState have lost a legend. Ann & I are so sad to learn of Coach Bowden’s passing & are praying for Ann Bowden & their family. A man of deep faith & outstanding leader, his legacy will live on in the hearts & actions of countless students, coaches & young leaders. https://t.co/svoXQPzsJQ
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 8, 2021
