When the news of a legend's retirement hits, even when it seems inevitable, people are jolted.
That's how it has to feel in Tallahassee, Fla., where Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden is expected to announce his retirement, ESPN.com reports. Bowden, who is second on the all-time coaching wins list in college football, was given the option of keeping his job in 2010 (but serving as mostly a figurehead) or stepping down. The 80-year-old coach patrolled the FSU sidelines for 34 seasons, winning 388 games and two national championships.
Bowden broke the news to his players and coaches at a Tuesday meeting. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who Florida State named as Bowden's future replacement in 2007, will take over the program.
"The bowl game will be my last game as head football coach at Florida State," Bowden says in a release confirming his retirement. "It's been a great 34 seasons . . . We've got one more game, and I look forward to enjoying these next few weeks as the head football coach."
Players spoke to the media after hearing the news from Bowden. While no one was surprised, it was still a tough day for the program.
"He said this was going to be his last game, and being Bobby Bowden, he quickly turned it," Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder told ESPN.com. "He said we were going to work hard this week and go win. He was a little bit [emotional], but not too much. . . . A few other people got emotional, but he's Bobby Bowden. He's a strong-willed person."
It hasn't been decided in which bowl game the Seminoles will play.
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