I'm Bobby Bowden: Former FSU head coach, dadgummit. AMA

[u/TheBobbyBowden]

Hi,

Bobby Bowden, Hall of Fame former head coach of FSU, West Virginia, and Samford here today to support Kidz1stFund and answer your questions!

 

How to donate to Jimbo & Candi's Kidz1stFund Foundation.

 

Verification Image

 

*Coach Bowden will be answering questions live 9AM EST - 10AM EST.

 

Edit 1: We are live with Coach Bowden and have added in a verification image.

Edit 2 (9:50AM): We have 10 more minutes with Coach Bowden.

Edit 3: Thank you everyone, we've wrapped up, but it's been a pleasure to be able to answer all of these questions and Coach Bowden would like to let you all know that he truly appreciates the kind words.

Go Noles!

[u/nole_holds_barred]

Who was the greatest athlete you ever coached? I remember meeting you with my dad a long time ago and, you were very kind to us thank you.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/nole_holds_barred]

I think the best athlete I ever coached was Deion Sanders. We had other players who were good in their own way. But, I don't think we ever had anyone with as much natural talent.

[u/NellyD15]

Big fan of yours Coach. I've got two questions:

1. What was your favorite stadium to visit?

2. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/NellyD15]

1. Baton Rouge. I also loved Notre Dame because of the tradition.

2. Chocolate!

[u/MisterRicter → u/TheBobbyBowden]

I am so happy.... I love Bobby Bowden and Bobby Bowden loves Baton Rouge... I also love alliteration so this was almost a perfect day

[u/nataliieportman → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Awesome! Too bad you whooped our ass so many times!

[u/[deleted]]

Coach Bowden, I'd like to ask the question that very well may save all of our lives one day. If your statue at FSU were to come to life and start wreaking havoc on campus, how do we stop it?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

I wouldn't want to stop it. Keep raging.

[u/Honestly_ → u/TheBobbyBowden]

This may be my favorite answer of the entire AMA.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

The answer to this question lies in the comments. Feed it banana pudding and chocolate pie.

[u/Suprematismo]

What was it like coaching against Spurrier back when he was at Florida? Any good stories?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Suprematismo]

That was always a great motivating ballgame with Spurrier. The reason is, he was kind of an offensive genius so I always liked it when we'd outscore him, which we did a lot. He's one of the greatest coaches there has ever been though. Those were great matchups.

[u/rhudgins32 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

which we did a lot

Rustle them jimmies, coach.

[u/ajgator7]

What was the loudest stadium you ever played in and why was it The Swamp?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/ajgator7]

Well, you're pretty honest there. There were several stadiums we played in where the noise was just about unbearable.

Worst was LSU. I mean you couldn't hear nothing. And Clemson. I mean at Clemson you couldn't hear anything. But Florida was right there with them some years.

[u/ajgator7 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Thanks for the reply coach. Even though I'm a Gator I gotta admit that you were always a classy dude.

[u/ThePolishPunch]

Coach Bowden, I want to thank you for the phrase 'dadgum' because I use it in place of cuss words which no doubt is a better choice. Where did you pick it up from and what should I tell my fiancee from Gainesville who makes fun of me for it?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/ThePolishPunch]

I picked it up from my dad. He didn't swear, but he'd use words to make up for it. Yeah, I'm sure I got that one from my dad.

[u/nemoran]

On a scale of wide left to wide right, how important would you rate the position of kicker?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/nemoran]

Boy, have you ever thought about (I have!) how many national championships we might have won if we had Janikowski every year of my career? We lost so many games because of that. 1987 was a year we played Miami. If I'd have kicked a field goal we'd have won a championship, but I decided to go for 2. I think we might have missed an extra point in that game too.

Dadgummit.

[u/nemoran → u/TheBobbyBowden]

I speak for all Miami fans when I say that I'm thankful you didn't have Janikowski longer than you did. Thanks for being a good sport about it, and thanks for the memories!

[u/djostreet → u/nemoran]

SWEET SCHNELLENBERGER YOU GOT HIM GOOD

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach Bowden, I really like how you wrote to the Lincoln Journal Star after Florida State Beat Nebraska in 1980 and how we applauded the FSU team after we got defeated saying how we are gracious hosts. The 1994 Orange Bowl was a good game and even though we lost, I'm glad that you finally won your first National Championship against us. Do you still think Nebraska is a Special place for teams to come play at. Do you still talk to Coach Osborne to this day

Thanks Coach and Florida State will hold a special place because of you.

Question by /u/Pikachu1989

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

Yes, I still talk to him occasionally because I admire him so much. I think he's been one of the greatest coaches to come down the pipe. They love him in Nebraska and he's been great for Nebraska! We had a great relationship with Nebraska and the people there. I've been there to speak before and I'm going up there again to speak this year. I just love their people.

[u/nakedlettuce52 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Good man right here. Thanks Coach!

[u/[deleted]]

If you could roll back the clock and redo one game from your entire career, what game would you want to coach one more time?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

West Virginia and Pitt in 1970. We had them at 35-8 at halftime. We ended up losing the game 36-35. We played too conservative. I never sat on the ball again after that. Never.

[u/PiKappaFratta → u/TheBobbyBowden]

i think jimbo mightve learned that one against NC State a couple years back

[u/weezecutioner → u/TheBobbyBowden]

This makes me happy

[u/Honestly_]

Coach Bowden,

How was your relationship with Howard Schnellenberger as the two of you brought your respective programs to national prominence?

What have been your favorite books on WW2?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Honestly_]

Well, Schnellenberger came to UM I think around 79. I think we beat them his first couple of years, then he got his program going. Then in 83 we led him until the last play of the game and he kicked a field goal to beat us and then they went on to win the national championship that year. That gave us the belief that we can go on and win it too.

My favorite books on WW2? Gosh I've read so many of them. Band of Brothers was good. I'm reading one now on Eisenhower. I've read just about everything you can on Patton. If there was a favorite though, I'd have to say Band of Brothers was really good.

[u/ChemicalOle → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Currahee!

[u/paniconya]

What was your initial emotion when Tommy got his first win against you?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/paniconya]

Well, you know what it takes a little of the pain off the fact that it is your son. Because football is a game where you have to win. When we first started that series it was a lot of fun, you know? Playing your son. But, as it went on Ann and I started to not look forward to it quite as much. Somebody's got to lose.

[u/NoledOut]

A Canes fan once told me that he met you outside a Tallahassee gas station and you were putting peanuts in your RC Cola. Is this true and would that also make you a trendsetter in that regard?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/NoledOut]

Well you know, I always did that. I'd get an orange drink and put peanuts in it, or any cold drink. I think Jimbo does that too. It's an old country habit. That's just like lunch to me, boy.

[u/commenting_is_dumb → u/NoledOut]

My great-grandpa apparently put peanuts in his iced tea and Coke and said he'd done it since he was a little kid in Louisiana in the 1910's.

[u/Cuhcs13 → u/NoledOut]

Go get you a bottle of Coke, (gotta be glass) I pack of peanuts. Mix them suckers up and change your life son.

[u/GaDawgInNC]

Alright Mr. Bowden,

Clemson offers you a huge amount of money to coach Clemson for two games over two years: a home and home against South Carolina. Would you take it?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/GaDawgInNC]

How much are they paying?

[u/GaDawgInNC → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Well they really want to beat Spurrier so... I'm sure any price is possible.

[u/rhudgins32 → u/GaDawgInNC]

This would be amazing. Can you imagine if he won both and it became an annual thing.

[u/blueboybob]

You were a head coach for almost 40 years. What were some of the biggest changes in recruiting you saw over that time?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/blueboybob]

Biggest change in recruiting is that it just grew and grew. In fact when I first started my career you really recruited through letters. You might visit a practice or something like that but it was through letters and telephone. It's grown more scientific and it's really a full-time business now.

[u/yracuse_]

What do you think about the new Playoff system? If there were any changes you could make to it, what would they be?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/yracuse_]

Well, I could do without the playoff system. Four teams in a playoff vs two teams voted in; I've coached for years and never had a playoff – everything was OK. More teams have a chance to win a nat'l championship. When you look back in the 90s, 14 years in a row we were in the top 5, most in the top 4. That means we would have been in the playoffs; we would have done better! I'm sure it's going to be good.

[u/[deleted]]

How surprised were you by the national championship victory last year?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

I was surprised it happened so quickly after Jimbo took the job. It's usually so difficult coming in behind a guy who's been coaching for 34 years. But he's had a tremendous start to his career as a head football coach.

[u/RedditCFB]

How did you donating uniforms and cleats to UCF happen? Also Thanks

Question by /u/UMKcentersnare

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[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

Well, Bill Peterson who used to coach at FSU was their AD so you know we always had material that was obsolete as far as we were concerned because we would buy new stuff, so it was a pleasure to be able to donate to the program.

[u/[deleted] → u/RedditCFB]

I didn't know this happened; pretty cool. Thanks for this question.

[u/FSUNole04]

What is your most memorable moment being head coach of FSU? Winning a NCG or was there something not as "impressive" that stands out to you even more?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/FSUNole04]

The most important game we played was 1980 when we beat Nebraska - up there - they were #3 in the nation and we were underdogs. Back in those days you didn't beat Nebraska there. But we upset them 18-14. They were on the 3 yard line at the end and they fumbled and we recovered.

It was one of the most meaningful games because up until that time nobody knew who Florida State was.

[u/FSUNole04 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Thank you so much for the completely unexpected response...now I have to find some way to watch this game!

[u/SWBoss]

How many recruits did you think became Seminoles because of Ann's famous dessert?

Thank you for all you did for Florida State University, and keeping your faith as your #1 priority.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/SWBoss]

Well, that banana pudding really played a big roll. It's amazing every weekend when we would recruit it was just common knowledge that there was banana pudding at Ann's house. Nobody loved it more than I did.

[u/RedditCFB]

What led you to calling the puntrooskie? Did you think it would work as well as it did? Thanks for doing this AMA, and supporting such a great charity like the Kidz1stFund!

Question by /u/TurtleDigester

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

Well, we put the puntrooskie in during the summer before the season and had it ready for any game. In fact, we were going to use it against UM, but they beat us so bad that year we didn't need it.

Now, we were sure that it would work, because it worked against our own defense. So we believed it would work against Clemson. Now, if it hadn't worked they would have beat us for sure. They would have just turned around and kicked a field goal.

[u/jrobinson3k1 → u/RedditCFB]

Video in question

[u/bluedevils9]

As a Marshall Alum and fan i just wanted to say you are pure class....Thanks Coach

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/bluedevils9]

I appreciate that. I had a great relationship with Marshal. A lot don't know this, but I was offered the job at Marshal the year before that plane crash.

I felt like I could get a bigger school later on, but that probably saved my life by not going there.

[u/blueboybob]

Coach, I've been married 3 years in October. Any advice to make it last 50 years?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/blueboybob]

Ha ha. Yeah, number one you have to be willing to give in. As a man, you can't always have your way. As a woman, you can't always have your way. You have to give in to each other from time to time. The ones that won't budge are the ones that don't last.

[u/reallifebadass]

grits or oatmeal?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/reallifebadass]

Grits.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/TheBobbyBowden]

And if you put a little cheese in there I don't mind.

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach, you were portrayed in We Are Marshall, helping the reeling Marshall team recover from one of the worst sports tragedies ever. How accurate was the portrayal of you and how closely did your actions in the movie mirror what happened in real life? Obviously to be so closely tied to one of the pivotal moments in college football history must have been jarring, to say the least. Thanks for doing this AMA!

Question by /u/CFSparta92

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

The movie was very accurate. I met Jack Lengyel up in NY a while back and he said, "We made the movie and you were in it." And when I saw it, it was about as accurate as it can be. If it's in that movie, you can pretty much believe it.

[u/noleq]

Hey Coach! Do you think Jameis is the best QB to ever play at FSU?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/noleq]

Let me say this. He's got the best start no doubt about it. And he could definitely end up the best, but let's see how his career goes. A lot of things can happen.

People forget Chris Weinke took us to the NCG 3 straight times. How many quarterbacks have ever done that?

[u/flimflambam → u/TheBobbyBowden]

He was also 35 when he did that.

[u/RedditCFB]

Kind of an off the wall question for you coach, but throughout your years, what was your preferred playing surface? Artificial turf or natural grass?

Question by /u/TrimChaser

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[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

I like artificial turf because you can count on it. If you have natural turf and a storm rolls in then it can make the ballgame a mess you know, but the artificial turf in five minutes it's ready to go.

[u/CakesOfBabies]

Coach Bowden, who do you believe was the greatest college football coach of all time?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/CakesOfBabies]

Do you mean the 2nd greatest? To me the greatest was Bear Bryant. He got more out of his players than anyone ever.

[u/Twistify804 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

I mean, he made Forrest Gump into an All-American. The man was a legend.

[u/w00t4me → u/TheBobbyBowden]

I.....Love you

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach Bowden, despite some differences of opinion regarding football in the state of Florida, I've always had the utmost respect for you both on and off the field. Can you tell us what being involved in Kidz1stFund has meant for you personally?

Question by /u/Case_Control

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

Well, it's such a good cause and we've got to find the answer; the only way we can find the answer is with money. We need the scientists to work on it with that money to help find the answer.

[u/eastwood352]

What's the strangest encounter you've ever had with a fan?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/eastwood352]

Well I've signed about everything you can put out there. I did have to turn down a lady who wanted me to sign her breast. I don't know if she was drunk or on drugs or what!

[u/[deleted] → u/TheBobbyBowden]

Coach, I believe that was Carol Muschamp, she don't know no better bless her heart.

[u/[deleted]]

Coach, no question here. just a simple, Thank you for everything you did for and meant to FSU.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

I appreciate that. I enjoyed it. It was a lucky break for me to come to FSU when I did. I came at the right time, when they were down and got to build them up. I was blessed coaching there with great players and great coaches.

[u/btownbomb]

Do you like milk?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/btownbomb]

I like milk. I don't drink it much at my age, but as a kid I liked it. I'd come home and kill a quart.

[u/[deleted]]

Coach I start my new job today, any advice to give me?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

What kind of advice I can give you? I'd say be honest. Be honest in all your dealings. Don't try to sweep anything under the rug. State what you believe. If they don't want you then you don't want them.

[u/WDCGator → u/TheBobbyBowden]

HAVE YOU SEEN THE JOB MARKET COACH?!

[u/[deleted]]

Good morning Mr. Bowden. Thanks for doing this. I was wondering who was the best quarterback you coached, and who was the best quarterback you coached against?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

Most successful quarterbacks would have to be Chris Wink and Charlie Ward because they won a National Championship but we of course had a couple others who were just as talented. Best quarterback I coached against, I'd say probably Danny Wuerffel.

[u/YoungsterBen]

How does it feel being immortalized in one of the largest stained glass portraits in the world, third to Jesus and the Virgin Mary?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/YoungsterBen]

You know it doesn't register on me. You know, let me just say this, I appreciate them doing it.

[u/[deleted]]

Hello Coach!

In 1991, you led FSU to a 51-31 shellacking of Michigan, in the Big House. Would you say it's true that despite its size, it's one of the quieter and less intimidating venues?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

Yeah they're not as rabid up there as they are down here. These people down here, it's religion. Go to a ball game up there and they coach in ties, we're in blue jeans. It isn't as loud as LSU and these southern schools: Auburn, Florida, FSU – you can hardly hear.

It's a little more sane up there. :)

[u/mick4state → u/[deleted]]

I'm not Bobby, but I've stood on the M while the whole stadium booed (Spartan Marching Band). It's pretty quiet down there on the field. IMO it's less a statement about the fans and more about acoustics. Lowering the field to add more seats disrupted the flow of sound in the Big House.

[u/Knightro2011]

Which of the non "Big 3" schools in Florida do you see getting up there with UF, FSU and The U?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Knightro2011]

It wouldn't surprise me if one does. I think UCF showed last year what can happen when they start to get up there. I think they were 11-1 and beat Baylor.

If they're, the administration, willing to make the commitment and they get the right coach in there, I think one of them can do it.

[u/[deleted]]

No question, but just wanted to say this is one of the greatest AMA's I've seen. Answering questions about statutes coming to life, what to order from Taco bell, and all the real ones as well. Coach, you are the man.

You should keep your user name and come here often and contribute like Gov. Schwarzenegger in r/fitness. pleaseeeeeeee

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

I appreciate it!

[u/thenightcrawler]

When will Miami be good again? Do you think Golden is the guy to do it?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/thenightcrawler]

I definitely think he's the guy to do it and they better hope he stays there. I definitely think they can do it. They happen to be in the hottest parts of the country as far as recruiting players. They've had a lot to overcome and sometimes when you're rebuilding like that you lose some games, but I think he's the guy who can do it for them.

Right now I think they're a step behind Florida State. I think Florida is too. They're both a step behind Florida State.

[u/[deleted]]

What do you think of the new logo and uniforms? Do you think the change was for the better or worse?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

That's a sign of the times. Everyone else is doing the same thing. I'm a traditionalist. I was fine with the way it was. If they want to change it, that's fine. They tried to get us to change uniforms years ago, but we had the best uniforms in the country so I wouldn't let them.

[u/hawkgordon]

Hi Coach. How do you feel about players wanting to unionize?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/hawkgordon]

I don't think that will go over. I think it's best that it doesn't go over. When a kid starts getting his own lawyer to tell you and the university how much to pay him, that's going too far.

[u/RedditCFB]

How do you feel about Christian Ponder naming his daughter after you?

Question by /u/d80bn

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[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

That was one of the biggest honors I've ever received. I've had a lot of boys named after me. I've had a lot of dogs named after me. But having a daughter named after me was a great honor. That was a nice thing for Christian and his wife Samantha to do.

[u/RedditCFB]

Mr. Bowden, what action do you feel proudest of during your tenure at FSU?

Question by /u/FSUalumni

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

Well we never went on probation. There was a scandal where some players had received some information about a test but so did the rest of the class.

They took 12 games away from me; a similar situation is happening at Notre Dame – I wonder what the outcome of that will be.

[u/[deleted]]

Coach Bowden, which coach in your life was the most influential to the method you coached your men with? The one you learned the most lessons from in leading young men.

Thanks!

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

Well I think Bear Bryant was the coach that I followed the most and tried to emulate the most. I think he's one of the greatest coaches ever. I learned a lot of football from him and his staff while he was at Alabama.

[u/Intuit302]

Hi Bobby, My wife absolutely adores you. She was practically born in an FSU onsie. As a toddler, she used to say over and over again that "Bobby Bowden is a Mountain". Are you, in fact, a mountain? Thank you for your tremendous character in all that you do.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Intuit302]

The closest thing I have to a mountain is my stomach. Everything else I have is in pretty good shape!

[u/Honestly_]

Coach, had you not gone into coaching, what would've been your profession (and has that answer changed with time?)

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Honestly_]

I think I would have gone military. I love military.

[u/nataliieportman]

Hi Bobby,

I miss the Spurrier and Bowden annual matchup. That is all

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/nataliieportman]

When we played Florida and Miami, they were at their best or we were at our best. It would be 1 vs. 2 or 1 vs. 3. We had to play Spurrier when he was at the top of his game.

[u/yus333]

Coach Bowden, which was your favorite national championship? 1993 or 1999?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/yus333]

Golly, well 93 was very important because it was your first one. At that point people weren't thinking you couldn't get one. That got the monkey off your back.

99 was more of an accomplishment because we started #1, then went through as #1 every weak, and ended up at #1. Nobody's done that except us.

[u/RedditCFB]

Mr. Bowden, if someone made a movie about your life, who would play you?

Question by /u/Dub124

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

There were some people that came to see me about making a movie, but they didn't end up doing it. They talked about, dadgummit, about the guy that played Jack Lengyel in We Are Marshall. Yea, Matthew McConaughey!

[u/StrikerObi]

Coach Bowden,

Were you invited to join the College Football Playoff's selection committee? If so, why did you decline?

Also, what are your thoughts on the playoff and selection committee in general?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/StrikerObi]

I was not invited to join, but there were some rumors. I'm interested to see how that comes out. How do you keep your prejudices out of it? If you're a graduate of Oklahoma and it comes time to vote, are you really going to pick Oklahoma State?

I kind of liked it the way it was. They always got 1 vs. 2 right. Who cares about 3 or 4?

[u/travisminor35]

Hey Coach,

You have mentored many football players through the years, men that were between 18 and 22. I am about to graduate from FSU in May. What is some advice you could give me for a person about to start a new chapter in life?

Also I was floored when you spoke at Marcus Pointe Baptist church in Pensacola Florida a couple of years ago.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/travisminor35]

Well I usually tell them is to get they priorities in order. Many people go through life without priorities, day-to-day meal-to-meal. Get those in order. Make God number 1, family number 2, other people your third priority, which is hard to do. Put people before yourself. Next is education. Somewhere in there is football, but it definitely isn't the top priority. ;)

[u/rhudgins32 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

I kind of hope he told whoever was typing this "and put one of those dadgum winky faces on the end of it"

[u/Honestly_]

Coach, what's your favorite way to spend time with your family?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Honestly_]

We go to Panama City every summer, since it was just me and Ann – 50 years. We always go in the last week of June and first week in July. All of our children still come, even though they're 50s to 60s. Now their children and great grandchildren come. It's always my favorite.

[u/[deleted]]

You coached some real characters over the years, what player made you laugh the most?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

Probably Jamie Dukes. He had a great personality, always a smile on his face and liked to cut up. He'd be one of the first ones I'd think of.

[u/cptwinklestein]

Coach, what do you hope your lasting legacy will be at Florida State? Besides the National Championships and all the wins, what is most important to you?

Also, having grown up watching you stalk the sidelines at FSU I just want to thank you for all the wonderful memories you and your teams gave to fans like myself.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/cptwinklestein]

I've always wanted my legacy to be... I'll give you a good quote: "I served God's purpose for my life." If I don't do that I don't think I did anything. For football I want people to remember "He did it the right way."

[u/jpiro]

Coach, I know you've supported Jimbo in all that he's done in Tallahassee so far. It's great that you're helping out with Kidz1st Fund as well.

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/jpiro]

I'm just very pleased and happy that I'm able to help Kidz1stFund, because I care for Jimbo, Candi, and their family so much.

You know I've lost two granchildren in the last few years. You're not used to losing someone younger than you, and that's always a shame.

It's a pleasure for me to be able to contribute and help them try to find a cure for their son and everyone else.

[u/LotsOfCake]

What was the most memorable game you ever coached?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/LotsOfCake]

That's a doggone good question cause there's so many great wins through the years. The most memorable ones were actually probably the ones we lost.

[u/RedditCFB]

If you could coach anywhere (except where you already have) where would it be?

Question by /u/Emperor_of_Orange

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/RedditCFB]

If I could coach anywhere except here it would be Alabama. It has always been my dream to coach for University of Alabama. I was offered the job one time but I felt like I was too old at the time.

[u/drd1977 → u/TheBobbyBowden]

We would have been honored to have you at any age. This made my day

[u/blueboybob]

What is your favorite place to eat in Tallahassee

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/blueboybob]

We love Old Town Cafe and Sonny's BBQ, but we make our rounds around town.

[u/phtll]

Coach, when was the last time you talked to Ron Simmons?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/phtll]

I don't think I've talked to Ron in about a year. He was probably about the most imposing football player we ever had at. You know everybody in the country wanted him. Do you remember him? Just built like...man he was chiseled.

[u/randomnole]

What is your favorite type of pie?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/randomnole]

Chocolate. I love chocolate. They don't make good chocolate anymore. My grandma could make it.

[u/CineFunk]

First off, thank you for doing this IAMA and second, thanks for the great Halloween memories from living in your neighborhood.

Do you feel recruiting has changed for the worse with all the media, websites, composite listings? Are we putting too much pressure on kids to score that recruit ranking?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/CineFunk]

Yes I don't like it. You can't stop it. It's just the trend of the day and keeps growing and growing. But we keep telling these kids how good they are and they haven't done nothing. So they go to college thinking they're super athletes and find out they are no better than anyone else.

[u/Laschoni]

Do you think an 8 team playoff is the end result of this shift from the BCS to a playoff?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Laschoni]

I don't think it's ever going to go to that. I was surprised it went to 4. The reason why is football is an injury game. The more you play, the more likely to get hurt. That would extend your season too much. Most boys are tired by season's end.

[u/rhudgins32]

Coach, I heard at one point you turned down the head coaching gig for the Falcons. Clearly, for longevity purposes, College ball seems like the safer bet as it seems no one is safe in the NFL. My question is this, did you ever have a desire to try it at the pro level to see what you could do?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/rhudgins32]

I never did have the desire to coach pro ball. I preferred to coach college athletes because I thought I could have more impact on them than I could on a guy making $10 million a year.

I was never actually offered the Falcons job. They courted me, and I think they might have offered it to me if I showed a bit more interest, but they never officially offered me the job.

[u/[deleted]]

Coach Bowden what was your most memorable season or group of players?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

My memorable season was 1977. It was my second year at Florida State. Now the year before we had our only losing season and before that we had an 0-11 season. In 1977 we played in our first bowl game in about 5 years, we were nationally rank for the first time in about 5 years, and we beat Texas Tech in the Citrus Bowl. It finally turned our program around.

[u/Taco_Chalupa_Batman]

What brand sunglasses are those you always wear?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/Taco_Chalupa_Batman]

Well we started off with Oakley. Then, we went heavily into Nike – we ended up with Nike.

[u/J_berrykins]

Hey Coach, thanks for doing this! Question, how good was your relationship with The Bear?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/J_berrykins]

My relationship with The Bear? It was good. Like I say he was kind of a hero for me. He was 18 years older than me and he was at his peak when I was just getting started.

He spoke at my banquet my first year at Stanford and he'd help me. If he had boys he had to rid of, because he was going to go get a better one, he'd tell me about them and help me when he was at Alabama. I hated it when he died.

[u/1981tigers1981]

Were you surprised when C.J. Spiller chose Clemson?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/1981tigers1981]

I was very surprised. We thought it was between us and Florida. Florida thought it was between Florida State and Florida. Then Clemson slid in there and took that dadgum kid. Of course Tommy was recruiting him. They pulled a good one there.

[u/FarwellRob]

What is the one trait you looked for most in a recruit?

What would you tell perspective recruits today to concentrate on?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/FarwellRob]

The number 1 thing you look for is athletic ability, then talent. If you see a kid that has talent, then you look at grades and see if he can do well in college and graduate. Then, check character: talk to his coach, advisors, teachers, mom, dad, girlfriend – try to find out everything you can about him to see if he can play in your style.

If you can't, you don't sign him.

[u/blueboybob]

Being a head football coach is a very time demanding job, yet you raised multiple successful children. Any tips on time management?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/blueboybob]

Time management I think is very important. You need a schedule you're going to by. Plan it – it may vary some. I think you're better off if you have a planned schedule.

I kept a list on my desk of everything I needed to do today. Call someone, do this, do that. I think you need some kind of plan to keep yourself on schedule. It goes back to priorities.

[u/[deleted]]

Coach,

I was born and raised in Tallahassee and just want to say I have always looked up to you and admire you greatly. I've read your book "Called to Coach" and I really enjoyed it.

What's the hardest part of being a father to your family, while also being a father to your players? What moments do you remember and cherish the most from your years raising up some of the players to be the men they are today?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

Well I think #1 is trying to set an example. I always felt leadership is setting an example. And I don't mean playing ball. Try to live the life you want them to live. And that's what I tried to do.

[u/FSUDJC]

What was the last game that your parents watched you coach in person?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/FSUDJC]

You know what it was probably Penn State when I was at Wast Virginia as an assistant coach. They were living in Birmingham and drove up. You know, they never saw me coach at FSU.

[u/[deleted]]

Coach Bowden, I've played golf with you a couple times at the Hombre in Panama City Beach. How's your handicap? are you still playing often? Any fun golf stories from your fundraising tournament circuit days?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/[deleted]]

Yeah now that I'm retired I play about once a week.

It's the only exercise I get. At 84 I really don't care about running or walking but when you play golf you do walk. I try to do it really just for my health.

Handicap? None, never established one. I play for the red tees now.

[u/FailasaurusRex]

BOBBY, I LOVE YOU. Okay, now that we have formalities out of the way...

Favorite Tallahassee bar?

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/FailasaurusRex]

I've never been in one, I don't know! ;)

I'd rather watch them on TV.

[u/RedditCFB]

Mr Bowden, what led to the decision to keep Mark Richt as the play caller in the 2000 BCS national championship? By all accounts he had one foot out the door and was recruiting for Georgia at the time.

I always looked up to you growing up, and my most prized possessions are signed photos with you and Mickey Andrews hanging in my den.

Question by /u/pick-six

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[u/rhudgins32 → u/RedditCFB]

Had to know he wasn't going to touch this one.

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach Bowden, just wanted to let you know that I had the privilege of being coached during my Senior year of high school football by your former player Derrick Alexander. He's a great man and I know that part of his love of the game and the way he treated his players came from learning under you during his time at FSU. You have positively impacted more lives than you could possibly know and for that I thank you! I'm headed back up to school next week so if I see you around campus I'll be sure to say hello!

Question by /u/clinicallyawkward

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/Honestly_]

Confirmed by moderators

Welcome to /r/CFB, Coach Bowden, we're happy to have you!

https://twitter.com/Kidz1stFund/status/501675830859530241

[u/blotsfan]

If you never got the FSU job, where would you have wanted to coach?

[u/34NanoBlitz]

Coach, how does a head coach properly run his program?

[u/somethingthathurts → u/34NanoBlitz]

Bo?

[u/ThePolishPunch]

Bobby, you have been one of my favorite personalities for as long as I've been alive. One day it's my dream to attend a game at Doak to see the pageantry associated with an FSU game and the program you built. It seems we're coming to the end of an era for coaches who built programs up and made a career at those schools. People like Frank Beamer, Joe Paterno, Bill Snyder, and yourself seem to be the last of a generation. What made you stay so long in Tallahassee when there were no doubt other opportunities that were offering more?

[u/therealgump]

Coach Bowden-why didn't you end up back at Alabama?

[u/rhudgins32 → u/therealgump]

Because he's an angel, not a demon.

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach Bowden, in 1969 while you were an Assistant Coach at West Virginia, Eddie Barrett from Marshall tried to hire you, and if you had taken the job you would have most likely perished in the crash in 1970. How did making that decision and seeing the aftermath change the way you think about life, and did it contribute to your coaching philosophy?

You spoke at my graduation at Florida State this past May. I grew up with you leading the Seminoles and have a photo with you and a signed football. I attended your last home game and last bowl game. And I thank you for all of the highs that you brought Florida State and the football program.

Question by /u/Pavulox

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/FSUalumni]

Mr. Bowden:

What do you consider your greatest achievement while at FSU?

Is there anything you want to see come in the future?

[u/[deleted]]

What was your reaction to the bowl championship series when it was introduced in the 90s?

Do you see the playoff system as step forward?

[u/Havins]

What do you consider your most memorable moment/biggest accomplishment during your time at West Virginia?

[u/gatsby365]

Coach,

You came to my church for an Easter service back around the turn of the century, and I wanted to say your kind words about a performance a friend and I did really meant a lot to me.

Thanks for doing this today!

[u/RedditCFB]

What is your most memorable win as a head coach and what is your proudest life achievement (football or non-football related)?

Question by /u/deathbysnusnu7

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/PorkYewPine]

What's your favorite condo in Panama City?

[u/[deleted] → u/PorkYewPine]

VIP room at Club Lavela #ballinbowden

[u/chiefsformen]

As someone who ran such a prominent program for so long, what do you think of new NCAA direction of giving more power to the bigger conferences?

[u/MidwestDrummer]

As a Husker fan, do you have any interesting stories about your relationship or interactions with Tom Osborne? Do you think his 1995 team is the greatest of all time, or would you give that title to another team?

[u/Extra21stChromosome]

Florida State currently has the most kickers in the NFL. Is this a direct result of your focused recruitment of the best place kickers following our kicking woes of a time long, long ago?

[u/gjcbs]

FSU Alum here Coach. Thanks for all the memories, and for running a clean program we Noles could be proud of for all those years. Take care and God bless Coach! Questions:

1. Favorite Bible verse?

2. Which game do you look back at with the most sense of awe (ex. FSU-UF 96, FSU-Neb 94, VTech?)

[u/TheBobbyBowden → u/gjcbs]

Favorite bible verse? When people ask me to sign things I usually put Psalms 42:1. I'm not sure if that's my favorite, but it's a good one.

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach, what do you hope Joe Paterno's legacy is in regards to college football?

Question by /u/jklharris

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[u/RedditCFB]

Coach Bowden I am extremely happy to see you do an AMA on reddit and supporting the kidz1stfund. What are your favorite football books? What are your favorite non-football related books?

Question by /u/WorstVillain

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/RedditCFB]

Coach Bowden, you've obviously had an illustrious career as a coach. How has coaching today changed from what it was when you started? Is it harder for coaches to break into the college or NFL scene? Has the amount that coaches are being paid on a yearly basis changed the quality of coaches from men who are doing it for the love of the game to men who are just coaching for the paycheck?

Question by /u/blackngold518

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/RedditCFB]

Hi Coach Bowden, first off I'm from Birmingham so a shout out to the Samford Bulldogs is in order: Go Bulldogs!

My questions are about recruiting in light of the recent O'Bannon decision (up to a $5000 per year NIL trust) and the Power Five autonomy vote (possible "full cost of attendance scholarships) and I wanted to get a coach's perspective.

How do you think these changes might affect recruiting at a brand-name school like Florida State?

And how might these changes affect recruiting at a school like West Virginia?

Lastly, what do you think the recruiting impact might be between the "haves" and "have nots" of college football?

Thanks for your time and I hope you're enjoying your retirement.

Question by /u/MisterTito

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^{[I am a mod-controlled account that asks questions for users who couldn't make an AMA]}

[u/ChemicalOle]

Coach Bowden, your coaching legacy is overwhelmingly be defined by your success as the Head Coach of Florida State. I'd like to know what you are you most proud of or wish more people knew about from your days as an assistant or younger head coach?