FSU Gives Bowden Extension

Bobby Bowden, who revived a dormant program into one of college football's longest dynasties, was rewarded with a $500,000 raise Monday and a contract that will keep him at Florida State through 2004.

"I've said for some time that as long as my health is good, and it is very good right now, that I have no desire to stop coaching," said Bowden, who will be 70 next month.

Bowden will earn $1.5 million per year after signing his second new contract in four years.

"Each time, I've got a good raise to go with it, so I feel fortunate," he said.

Bowden's earnings begin with a $165,000 base salary from the state. The rest comes from shoe endorsements, speaking engagements and radio and televisions appearances.

For the fifth time in 12 years, Florida State began the season ranked No. 1 and the Seminoles have held the top spot. They are 5-0 going into Saturday's game against Miami.

Bowden took over a program in 1976 that had had won only four of its previous 33 games and was financially bankrupt. In his first season, the Seminoles were 5-6, his only losing season in 24 years.

Florida State went 32-4 from 1987-1989 and its 102-13-1 record during the '90s is the best in the country.

Bowden coached Florida State to its only national championship in 1993 when Heisman Trophy quarterback Charlie Ward led the team.

The new deal virtually ensures Bowden will surpass Alabama's Bear Bryant's 323 career wins, which leads all Division 1-A coaches. Bowden has 297 career wins, including 224 at Florida State, and will go for his 300th victory against son Tommy at Clemson Oct. 23 if the Seminoles remain unbeaten.

However, Penn State's Joe Paterno began the year with 15 more wins than Bowden and would continue to remain ahead if he also continues to coach.

Bowden also is the patriarch of a coaching family. Son Terry, who is now a college football analyst for ABC, coached at Auburn, and Tommy is in his first year at Clemson after two successful seasons at Tulane. The youngest Bowden son, Jeff, is receivers coach for his father at Florida State.

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