Leaders, coaches, universities remember Coach Bobby Bowden

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — After the news of FSU coach Bobby Bowden's death broke early Sunday morning, an outpouring of love and support has flooded in.

QUOTE FROM FSU PRESIDENT JOHN THRASHER

“Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden. On behalf of everyone at FSU, Jean and I extend our deepest condolences to Ann and the Bowden family. Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with class and a sense of humor. While he leaves an incredible legacy as one of the best football coaches in collegiate history, he also will be remembered for his great faith, his love of family and his mentorship of countless young people. He will be profoundly missed.”

QUOTE FROM FSU DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DAVID COBURN

“Mary and I are saddened by the loss of our beloved Coach Bowden, as are generations of Florida State fans and alumni. He impacted the lives of so many people and leaves a legacy at FSU and in college football that will be remembered forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann and the entire Bowden family.”

QUOTE FROM FSU HEAD COACH MIKE NORVELL

“Coach Bowden was one of the greatest coaches ever, but more than that he was an incredible man. He was a special human being who earned an enduring legacy because of his wonderful heart, faith and values he lived. It was the honor of my lifetime to know him and beyond anything I could dream to have a relationship with him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by Coach Bowden and particularly with his wife Ann, their children, grandchildren, former players and coaches. The entire Florida State family is hurting right now at the loss of our program’s patriarch.”

ACC COMMISSIONER JIM PHILLIPS ON THE PASSING OF BOBBY BOWDEN:

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Bobby Bowden. The ACC, Florida State and the entire college athletics family have lost a true giant. Coach Bowden was one of the most successful, humble and endearing individuals who was also one of the most decorated college football coaches in history. Throughout my several interactions with Coach Bowden, it was clear that he was warm, friendly, caring and always made people smile. It was no secret that Coach Bowden genuinely loved his players, the Florida State community and college football. On behalf of the entire ACC family, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ann and the Bowden family."

FAMU PRESIDENT LARRY ROBINSON:

“The FAMU community joins Florida State University and the nation in mourning the loss of Coach Bobby Bowden. Coach Bowden built character and provided opportunities for young people to become their best. He inspired us all. His life and legacy are indeed worthy of celebrating.”

REP. AL LAWSON (FL-05):

“Over the course of his long and storied life and career, Coach Bobby Bowden made an immeasurable impact, not only on the Florida State University football program and its players, but also on our community at large. A two-time National Champion and 12-time ACC Champion, Coach Bowden was a leader whose commitment to excellence extended far beyond the football field. During his many impressive years at the helm of the Seminoles football team, Coach Bowden helped shape the lives of countless young athletes who played under him, and his loyalty and dedication to his family, friends and players set an example for all those who knew him. Many coaches can coach, but only a small number, like Bobby Bowden, can guide their student-athletes beyond the sports arena.

I would like to send my condolences to his family during this difficult time. I pray they find comfort in knowing that Coach Bowden was loved by so many across our nation, and his legacy will live on through each of us.”

FSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

MIAMI HURRICANES FOOTBALL:

MIAMI HURRICANES FOOTBALL COACH MANNY DIAZ:

FSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH SUE SEMRAU:

FLORIDA GATORS HEAD COACH DAN MULLEN:

FLORIDA GATORS FOOTBALL TEAM: