Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden will do a lot of speaking in South Dakota over the next two days, and knows how to light up a room.
"Between me, Terry and Tommy, we all have something in common," Bowden said. "All of us have been fired."
But all jokes aside, it has been a tough week for the personable Bowden, following the death of Penn State Coach Joe Paterno. His longtime friend, who is the only coach with more wins that he has.
"In my opinion, those who went to Penn State and played for him will think about him as a great man and figure as will I," Bowden said. "The other people may think about those recent events and have a different opinion."
Bowden will forever be remembered at FSU. Where he won two national titles in his 33 years in Tallahassee. Where he stepped down after the 2009 season.
"I think this is a rarity," Bowden said. "There aren't too many guys in this day and age that can coach as long as Joe (Paterno) and I did. With the pressure and expectations, other than at the lower DI levels, you won't see it again.
Now 82 years old, Bowden is quite content in retirement.
"People ask me all the time if I want to coach again," Bowden said. "I always say they must be crazy, I am 82 years old. Who is going to hire an 82 year old man!"
Dylan Scott KSFY Sports
