Bowden's son to step down as FSU offensive coordinator
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- For months, Florida State fans have clamored for the ouster of offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden, blaming him for the team's woes.
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Tuesday, Bowden ended the debate, resigning just three days after the Seminoles were shut out for the first time in 233 games.
His resignation will take effect at season's end, said athletic director David Hart Jr. said. Then, Bowden, the youngest son of Seminoles head coach Bobby Bowden, will be reassigned outside the athletic department until his contract expires in August 2007.
"I believe in my heart that for Bobby Bowden this is the decision that I need to make," Jeff Bowden said. "I could not be happier that I had this opportunity. But it's just time for me to move on."
Hart said Bowden, 46, came to him Monday, and an agreement was worked out. Details are pending, Hart said, and will be released Wednesday.
"Jeff thought he wanted to give his father, give the staff and give recruiting the best possible opportunity to unfold in a positive manner," said Hart, adding all assistant coaches would be thoroughly evaluated after the season.
Florida State's players learned about the resignation as they hit the practice field Tuesday.
The Seminoles won national championships in 1993 and 1999 but have struggled since the younger Bowden replaced now-Georgia head coach Mark Richt as the offensive coordinator in 2001.
This season marked a new low point. Florida State must win one of its last two games -- against Western Michigan on Saturday or Florida on Nov. 25 -- to become bowl eligible.
The Seminoles (5-5, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) lost at home 30-0 Saturday to Wake Forest. It was the first time Florida State had been shut out in Tallahassee in Bobby Bowden's 31 seasons as coach.
Bobby Bowden has stood by his son's performance as offensive coordinator, despite a notable decline in scoring and yardage gained in the past half-dozen seasons.
"I am disappointed in Jeff's decision," the elder Bowden said in a university release. "This is a big loss to me personally. His decision is an emotional one for me."
The family matriarch, Ann Bowden, was home in bed with the flu and unavailable to comment.
