AN INTERVIEW WITH BOBBY BOWDEN | FSU LEGENDARY COACH
I began an unforgettable friendship with Florida State University Legend Coach Bobby Bowden after he came to speak at my church. His faith in Jesus Christ was always his first priority. My son regularly sent him my weekly sermons, and Bobby would listen carefully and write me touching letters in response. On one occasion, Bobby invited me to Tallahassee to speak to the FSU Seminoles football team. As we walked together through the stadium, he asked me to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with his players—complete with an invitation to receive Him. It was my privilege to do so.
Listening to Coach Bowden always touched your heart—his deep love for Christ was unmistakable, and his genuine, unrehearsed humor made him unforgettable. Married for 72 years to his beloved wife, Ann, Bobby enjoyed 44 seasons of college football as a head coach. He often told a funny story about Ann asking him the morning before he flew to speak for me, “Bobby, do you love football more than me?” He admitted he hesitated, then quipped, “College or pro?” That was Bobby—one of a kind. To know him was to love him.
In this message, Coach Bowden shares how he learned to tithe and why tithing is so important. You will also hear him emphasize with conviction the need to get “saved” by Jesus Christ. When asked if university students had changed during his 44 seasons of coaching, Bobby’s response was memorable: “Students haven’t changed, but parents have.” Food for thought, for sure.
Bobby Bowden (1929–2021) was not only one of the most successful but also one of the most beloved coaches in college football history. As head coach at Florida State University (1976–2009), he transformed the program into a national powerhouse:
Career Record: 377 officially recognized wins (second all-time among Division I coaches)
FSU Record: 315–98–4
National Championships: 1993 and 1999 (undefeated in 1999)
ACC Championships: 12, including 8 straight from 1992–2000
Top-5 Finishes: 14 consecutive years (1987–2000)
Bowl Appearances: 33, with 21 victories
Heisman Trophy Winners coached: Charlie Ward (1993), Chris Weinke (2000)
Produced NFL stars including Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, and Warrick Dunn
His leadership helped build FSU into a national brand and contributed to making Florida a premier recruiting hotbed.
Beyond football, Bobby’s greatest legacy was his family. He married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Estock, in 1949. Together, they raised six children and were blessed with 21 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. The Bowden family became a true coaching dynasty:
Tommy Bowden: Head coach at Clemson University (1999–2008), previously at Tulane, leading teams to consistent bowl appearances.
Terry Bowden: Head coach at Auburn University (1993–1998), named National Coach of the Year in 1993, later coaching at Akron and Louisiana–Monroe.
Jeff Bowden: Offensive coordinator at Florida State University (2001–2006).
Each of his coaching sons achieved at least one undefeated season as head coach.
The Bowdens were admired not only for football success but, more importantly, for their Christian faith, leadership, and emphasis on character.
