When it was announced at the beginning of this month that Bobby Bowden‘s tenure as Florida State’s head coach would come to an end after the bowl game, it was widely assumed -- but never really confirmed -- that Bowden had no choice but to step down as the Seminoles’ coach.
Today, Bowden confirmed that staying for another season was an option that was taken off the table by school officials.
Speaking to the Associated Press following his last practice as FSU’s coach, Bowden was asked if he wanted to stay for one more season.
“I wanted to, but that was out,” Bowden said. “I’m disappointed, but that wears off.”
Even given how his 34-year career in Tallahassee ended, Bowden said he had no regrets about anything that happened during his 50-plus years in college football.
“No regrets whatsoever with the whole picture, big picture,” Bowden said. “I look at it for the 56 years, not what happened last year or the last four years or five years.”
The 80-year-old Bowden will coach his final game at FSU on New Year’s Day in the Gator Bowl against West Virginia.