:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21817555/bowden1.0.jpg)
Bobby Bowden is Florida State football. He built the program up from next to nothing when he took over in 1976 and helped establish the Seminoles as one of the premier programs in the country.
On Saturday, Bowden planted FSU's spear at midfield in his first return back to Tallahassee. The capacity crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium roared.
Bowden's parting from the university was a bit ugly, though there doesn't appear to be any hard feelings. He recently reached an agreement with the university for fundraising and merchandising, and said earlier Saturday that he is very proud of what the team has accomplished since his retirement. In 34 years at FSU, Bowden had a 304-97-4 record and led the team to national championships in 1993 and 1999.
More from SB Nation college football:
Follow @SBNationCFBFollow @SBNRecruiting
• Updated college football scoreboard
• Week 9 college football TV schedule: What to watch
• Mobile-friendly stories on today’s games, injuries, and more
• Each BCS title contender’s chances of finishing perfect
• The Grove is closed: Spencer Hall on fear and victory at Ole Miss
• Daily college football news headlines