Bowden's contract extension official

ACC Blog

January, 28, 2009

Jan 28

3:16

PM ET

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By Heather Dinich

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Florida State just announced a one-year extension for coach Bobby Bowden, taking his contract through Jan. 4, 2010. The terms of his contract are the same as they were in 2008 -- he'll be paid just under $2.5 million.

"I am glad to get it signed, up for another year like I said I would do after each year," Bowden said in a prepared statement. "I appreciate the university's support. We are busy recruiting and looking forward to next season."

This is a win-win situation for Florida State because both Bowden and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, have something to offer recruits. Bowden has the legacy, Fisher has the future, and a date is in place for the changing of the guard.

While there is uncertainty about whether or not Bowden will exercise his option to coach in 2010, Fisher is guaranteed the head job by January 2011, or FSU will owe him $5 million. Regardless, recruits know what they're signing up for, and when other head coaches aren't allowed on the recruiting trail, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher is.

Clearly, the plan they have in place is OK with recruits, as the Seminoles currently have the No. 10-ranked class in the nation according to Scouts Inc. The question is how quickly these young players can help the Noles reach 18 wins over the next two seasons.

Much attention has been paid to the back-and-forth race between Bowden and Penn State coach Joe Paterno to finish their careers as college football's winningest coach, and Bowden currently trails by one game with 382 career wins. While I don't doubt this friendly rivalry provides some motivation for Bowden to keep coaching, his desire to win 400 games and another national championship is probably at the heart of his decision, based on a conversation we had last spring.

If Bowden is going to reach the 400 mark, he'll obviously have to coach through 2010, and win at least nine games the next two seasons. Considering the Noles won nine games this season, it's actually a very realistic goal, and one worth sticking around for.

Tags:

Florida State Seminoles, Joe Paterno, Florida State Seminoles, Bobby Bowden, Penn State Nittany Lions, Jimbo Fisher

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