Bowden was an American college football coach and player. He started his college playing career at Alabama, before transferring to Howard College. He was a quarterback and running back. As a Head Coach, Bowden was in charge of Howard College (1959-62) and West Virginia (1970-75). He is well known in College Football for his 34 season as Head Coach at Florida State (1976-2009).
Bowden had an overall record of 31-6, while in charge of his alma mater, Howard College.
During his time with West Virginia he took the Mountaineers to the Peach Bowl in 1972. They lost that game against North Carolina State. In 1975, Bowden’s Mountaineers reached the Peach Bowl again, this time, they would emerge victorious, in their rematch against North Carolina State. They would finish 17th in the Coaches Poll and 20th in the AP Poll. It was the only time the Mountaineers were ranked inside the top 25, while Bowden was coach.
Bowden made Florida State a national powerhouse. In his 34 seasons with the Seminoles, Bowden had a record of 304-97-4. The Seminoles were ranked inside the top 25 on a yearly basis. They also enjoyed several seasons ranked inside the top 5, including National Championships in 1993 and 1999.
Bowden ended his 44 years of Coaching with an overall record of 377-129-4. He is ranked second all-time in wins for a Division-One FBS coach, behind Joe Paterno (409).
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