Bobby Bowden Under Fire After Florida State's 2-3 Start

NFL News - October 5th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Coming into this past weekend's game with Boston College, Florida State was probably at its lowest point in quite some time.  They had just lost to South Florida and were now looking at a 2-3 record through their first five games, the first time in 33 years.  Frustration had already begun around Seminole Nation, and after their loss to the Eagles on Saturday, it has finally reached it's peak.  Florida State has been on the decline for the past seven years and the hiring of head-coach-in waiting, Jimbo Fisher, has not seemed to have worked out the way it was planned.  There are many speculations circulating around Tallahassee as to why this is, but Jim Smith, chair of the university's Board of Trustees, said that changes need to be made and head coach Bobby Bowden's future is the first.

"My hope is frankly that we'll go ahead, and if we have to, let the world know that this year will be the end of the Bowden era," said Smith, according to the newspaper. " ... I do appreciate what he's done for us, what he's done for the program, what he's done really for the state of Florida. But I think the record will show that the Seminole Nation has been more than patient. We have been in a decline not for a year or two or three but I think we're coming up on seven or eight. I think enough is enough."

FSU President T.K. Wetherell and legal council Betty Steffens have been working with Fisher on finalizing his head coaching contract.  A smooth transaction was expected when the time came for Bowden to retire, but this does not seem as though it will happen.  Bowden has before hinted that he wants to coach through the 2010 season.  Fisher came aboard in 2007 and under an agreement, was guaranteed to be the head coach at the conclusion of the 2010 season.  If this does not occur, Florida State must pay Fisher $5 million.  When the contract is finalized, Fisher will have the authority in making decisions regarding the team's coaching staff.  One immediate area of concern is finding a replacement for defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews who has said this will be his last year.    

Bowden has 384 wins and is just 3 behind career leader Joe Paterno.  On Sunday, Bowden stated that he will make his own decision regarding his future when the time is right, with the aid of Wetherell.

"We are the ones who will determine what we do and what kind of progress we make," Bowden said. "I will determine my situation. I won't let some guys' speculation tell me when to move."

The Seminoles are now 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the ACC.  Their chances of reaching the ACC championship game are fading fast and now will face No. 22 Georgia Tech on Saturday.  The Program's demise over the past decade has not set well with Seminole Nation.  The fans are mad, the boosters are mad, and now the chair of the Board of Trustees has seen enough.  Will winning the remainder of their games cause this turmoil to settle a little only remains to be seen. 

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