NEW YORK (AP) - Bobby Bowden took some shots in his 31st season at Florida State.
His Seminoles went 6-6. His son, Jeff, resigned as Florida State's offensive coordinator after six years of being a lightning rod for criticism.
The 77-year-old Bowden called it his most ``trying season.'' Don't think for a second it'll be his last.
``I could step out so easily,'' he said Tuesday, hours before he was to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. ``Go retire and have a good time. I don't want to do that. It's like a fighter. A fighter always thinks he's got one more good fight.
``As a coach, I still want to win a national championship.''
Bowden and 13 players, including Emmitt Smith, Bruce Smith and Heisman Trophy winners Charlie Ward and Mike Rozier, were elected to the Hall of Fame in May, along with Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
Paterno was also to be inducted Tuesday night at the National Football Foundation awards banquet in New York, but he's still recovering from leg surgery. His formal induction was delayed until next year. Paterno broke his leg and injured his knee when two players crashed into him on the sideline during a game against Wisconsin on Nov. 4.
Paterno cracked that he didn't want his wheelchair to get in the way at the ceremony.
``He's afraid it'll bump my walker,'' Bowden replied.
ncaafootball.com
At 77, Bowden is bruised but still has plenty of fight
At 77, Bowden is bruised but still has plenty of fight
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