Bobby Bowden, the second-winningest coach in FBS history, died Sunday morning, Florida State announced.
Bowden, 91, had revealed recently he was battling pancreatic cancer.
“Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden,” university president John Thrasher said in a statement. “On behalf of everyone at FSU, Jean and I extend our deepest condolences to Ann and the Bowden family. Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with class and a sense of humor. While he leaves an incredible legacy as one of the best football coaches in collegiate history, he also will be remembered for his great faith, his love of family, and his mentorship of countless young people. He will be profoundly missed.”
Today we lost a legend but you never lose a legacy. Rest In Peace Coach Bowden pic.twitter.com/f7pQpUPqbJ
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 8, 2021
The school posted a tribute page to Bowden, which can be found here.
Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. His 357 career victories are second to the 409 of Penn State’s Joe Paterno.
“I’ve always tried to serve God’s purpose for my life, on and off the field, and I am prepared for what is to come,” Bowden said in a statement announcing the condition. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”
Bobby Bowden left his mark on the game.
The legendary coach has died at 91. https://t.co/wJcu9g1dfe pic.twitter.com/55BkYPI4Yc
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 8, 2021
There was reaction to the sad news.
Today, we lost a legend. Bobby was a great friend and mentor to me, and his impact transcended the coaching profession in so many ways. Sending love to Ann and the entire Bowden family.
Rest In Peace Coach Bowden. pic.twitter.com/om6LRmkkIo
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) August 8, 2021
Our condolences to the Bowden Family and the Florida State football program on the passing of Bobby Bowden, who was instrumental in making the UM-FSU rivalry one of the greatest in college football.
Rest in peace, Coach. pic.twitter.com/MdGuy1gGk5
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) August 8, 2021
"He was the model. He was such a great example of not losing sight of the main thing: a man of faith, a great husband, a great father." – Dabo Swinney in July on Bobby Bowden
All of college football mourns this loss. Our 🧡🧡 are with the Bowdens today. https://t.co/XAqSvOx1Jv pic.twitter.com/8hdOpHaLoK
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 8, 2021
Samford University mourns the loss of legendary alumnus, former football player and head coach Bobby Bowden, forever a Samford Bulldog. pic.twitter.com/eYiPNTxAN0
— Samford University (@SamfordU) August 8, 2021
Extremely sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Bobby Bowden. He treated all of us like one of his sons. You will be missed but the lessons learned will never be forgotten. GO NOLES!!! pic.twitter.com/6LriINGo7C
— Tra Thomas (@72TraThomas) August 8, 2021
