Turmoil at Florida State

Gold has reached the highest level adjusted for inflation since 1983. The nations unemployment rate is the highest recorded since 1983. It has also been since 1983 that Florida State has had a losing record in football after five games, and it is creating quite a bit of turmoil.

The administration of Florida State has put in place a transition timetable by naming offensive Coach Jimbo Fisher as the head coach to take over after Coach Bowden retires. This will take place at some point no later than after the 2010 season.

It appears the transition is not working as well as planned, and the results of the team thus far in 2009 would indicate that. I am amazed this team has struggled so, particularly on offense, where the entire offensive line, the tight end and a superb quarterback returned. The fact remains, the Seminoles are 2-3 and that is unacceptable.

There are calls for the dismissal of legendary Coach Bobby Bowden, rumors of infighting among assistant coaches, tales of recruits running away and the sense of a general lack of leadership.

Discounting all media reports, the inconsistency of this team, and overall record, suggest things are not right. The heat is on Bobby Bowden, as many have called for his removal. Blog Tomahawk Nation has done a superb job of covering the entire situation, and I would encourage you to review their material on the subject.

According to them, and many others, Coach Chuck Amato, who returned to FSU after several years at NC State, has been at odds with Fisher since returning . When I was closer to the program back at my time there, Chuck Amato was someone I respected and thought very highly of. I recently met Jimbo Fisher and I was very impressed with him, although I remain unsure how successful he will be when he takes over FSU. At the end of the day, Fisher seems shackled and there seems to be too many chiefs on the coaching staff, which may be at the heart of why this team is struggling so.

There is a blackout being orchestrated on FACEBOOK in which many fans will be wearing black to show their displeasure of the job being done by Bobby Bowden. The group is approaching 5000 members. I checked out the group and noticed many of the participants appear to be students or younger alumni, which solidified my thoughts on the blackout: juvenile and disrespectful. Needless to say, I will be in Garnet and Gold Saturday night.

I do not think these younger fans have an appreciation for what Coach Bowden has meant to this University as it ascended from the doghouse to the penthouse. Coach Bowden used to drive the game tape of the Bobby Bowden show around the state to media outlets so they could run the show in an effort to promote FSU, prior to youtube or Ipods. In addition, he has represented our University with class and has been an unparalleled ambassador for FSU. Did I mention he is currently the second winningest coach of all time? I have tremendous respect for the man and am very grateful for his contribution to FSU and vehemently oppose any disrespect toward him, which would include the blackout.

However, we again go back to the record of the current team, which I deem unacceptable. Florida State has the nations longest streak of consecutive bowl games, and this streak is flat out in jeopardy. If these problems on the coaching staff do exist, I expect Coach Bowden to fix them immediately, with the understanding that Jimbo Fisher is the next Coach. Decisions regarding the staff in this regard should be made accordingly.

FSU President T. K. Whetherell released a statement today, which I completely agree with. Coach Bowden will remain at the helm throughout this season. Things will be evaluated, by both Bowden and the administration, after the season concludes. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews has announced that this is his final year. I like the idea of Jimbo Fisher replacing departed coaches as going forward, this will ultimately be his team. If Coach Bowden is unable to accept this, then 2009 should be his final season. If Coach Bowden can accept this, I would like 2010 to be his last season, one which should be very successful on the field and could give the players, fans, and alumni an opportunity to send Coach Bowden off in proper, well deserved fashion, as we give way to a new era under Fisher of strength, skill and character.

It is always tough when an era as successful as Coach Bowden's comes to an end. I remember Richard Petty climbing out of his crumpled STP Pontiac at Atlanta Motor Speedway in November of 1992. These gentlemen are competitors, and legends, and it is not easy leaving the stage. For Bowden, it is no doubt tough to step down. After all, he is one of us, THE UNCONQUERED!

GO SEMINOLES!

DISCLOSURE: I HAVE BEEN AN FSU SEASON TICKET HOLDER AND SEMINOLE BOOSTERS MEMBER SINCE 1982.