August 18, 2005
Jeff Bowden on the way out at FSU?
We thought the writing was on the wall when Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden hired Marshall's offensive coordinator to help boost the offense.
Surely this meant that embattled FSU OC Jeff Bowden was out, right? Wrong. Bobby installed Marc McHale as O-Line coach instead. Despite leading the Seminoles to their least-productive offense in 23 seasons, Jeff Bowden has remained as OC.
Now it appears that Bobby is slowly giving more of Jeff's responsibilities to McHale: McHale to coach the running game. Jeff Bowden will continue to coach the passing game.
Let me see if I've got this right: FSU is going to have one coach for the running game and one coach for the passing game? Unless the 'Noles are going to run the wishbone exclusively, this has Titanic/Hindenburg/Bay of Pigs/Chicago Fire of 1871 disaster of epic proportions written all over it.
So, what's Jeff Bowden think of all this?
“I don’t want to deal with the running game,” Jeff Bowden said. “I’m not going to sit here wondering why we’re not blocking this guy or that guy.”
OH MY DEAR SWEET LORD SOMEONE PLEASE FIRE HIM RIGHT NOW!! DO NOT PASS GO!! DO NOT COLLECT $200!!
I'm praying that FSU is about to announce that Jeff Bowden has Lyme Disease. Seriously, this has gone on long enough. Is Bobby really ready to throw away another season with Jeff in the booth?
Comments:
posted on August 18, 2005 10:29 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
It's true that there are a lot of staffs set up this way, but how many have the OC giving up responsibilities to a newly hired, former OC? How many feature the OC in question being tarred & feathered in his own hometown paper?
FSU's offense is a coaching tinderbox. I'm thinking this is the spark that burns the whole thing down.
Marc said:
posted on August 18, 2005 11:31 PM — 68.113.76.231 — link — abuse?
I agree that Jeff is horrible as a OC, but he hasn't had much to work with so far. Maybe now that he only has to concentrate on the passing game he can get it together. Though, I think this site has it right: http://www.hirejeffbowden.com/.
QI said:
posted on August 19, 2005 12:40 AM — 71.102.26.61 — link — abuse?
The offensive coordinator traditionally refers to the person who calls the plays during the game, which is the most important aspect and also the hardest part of coaching. You have to have a great feel for your team, the opponent, and the situation. All offenses essentially run the same things these days, the most successful teams have great offensive playcalling though.
Gene Larew said:
posted on August 19, 2005 7:03 AM — 24.253.211.201 — link — abuse?
Play calling is the most over rated aspect of being OC, IMO. Its also a lightning rod for the fans criticism.
Truth is, play calling is done the week before the game. It starts when the coaches break down opponent film. During the week they put in plays. By the time game day rolls around, play calling has been reduced to a few choices determined by down and distance, position on the field, game score , etc. which is all on charts.
The tricky part is adjusting to the defensive changes and that's still a collaboration by the staff, its why they all wear headsets.
But thats just my opinion.
You can go to any football teams message board, from Junior High to the NFL, and there will be fans complaining about play calling and IMO, they don't really understand the entire process.
If the overall game plan failed to score enough points to win, then jump on the staff for the game plan. But play calling is far too involved.
posted on August 19, 2005 8:29 AM — link — abuse?
I agree to some extent, Gene. Its the in game adjustments that win games. That being said, I haven't seen FSU able to adapt AT ALL since Jeff took the big headset. FSU has been unable to take advantage of defensive adjustments since Richt left, and I don't think it's for a lack of talent.
Blake said:
posted on August 19, 2005 5:47 PM — 69.163.206.34 — link — abuse?
Simply stated "Bobby won't fire his son". It's kind of routine really. Anyone who screws up at FSU never has to sit down. From the players on up. It's never been Jeff's fault always Rix's fault. Now it'll be the two freshman's fault. I can see it now "well daggummit we were in that Miami game the whole time if it weren't for all the interceptions and fumbles and missed kicks we really beat them".
Orson Swindle said:
posted on August 20, 2005 12:38 PM — 24.98.50.42 — link — abuse?
Not an insignificant development, though, in terms of what it means for the FSU offense. Play-calling may be overemphasized, but "coaching up" and developing a qb isn't, especially at the collegiate level. Bowden the Younger hasn't done that once, yet. If it's his job, he's not been very good at it. And don't blame the qbs for it--FSU's got the pick of the litter, recruiting-wise, and they've squandered good talent thanks to Bobby's nepotism.
Rich said:
posted on August 22, 2005 2:55 AM — 65.6.149.84 — link — abuse?
Sorry, Bob, but Bobby has been behind the times for several years now. Too predictable, too conservative, too willing to let assistants run the show. And, of course, too loyal and stubborn to make changes needed -- especially Jeff. Even worse, sadly, the game has passed him by. And this is from a lifelong FSU fan, as well as an alum, booster and long time season ticket holder.
Nikki said:
posted on September 2, 2005 3:33 PM — 67.8.162.153 — link — abuse?
as not only a recent fsu grad but a student who covered fsu football... I'd like to say first Chris Rix is an idiot who ruined my four years of college. Second, Bobby was in tears after the loss to Florida last year. The tears came after he walked out of his own press conference because he knew he had to do something about Jeff. However...Bobby is only a figure really for FSU football. His main purpose is to recruit. Infact the only reason the #1 2006 prospect chose FSU was for Bobby. Jeff isnt really doing much coaching either. I still have faith in Bobby. If our QB situation fixes itself then FSU will be fine. Just dont really on kicking to help at all.
Hughie Watson said:
posted on September 5, 2005 9:38 PM — 24.227.136.117 — link — abuse?
I know very little about big time college football. However, in my 61 years of life and 45 years being an FSU fan, I know ineptness when I see it.
Jeff Bowden is an inept offensive coordinator.
It is a shame that Bobby Bowden's legacy and the stature of Florida State Football is forced to suffer just because of a father's love for his son.
If Jeff Bowden had any sense of decency, any charter and any concern for the well being of others, he would just quit and become a car salesman or something.
Hughie Watson
A.J. Rother said:
posted on September 6, 2005 12:38 AM — 70.225.91.141 — link — abuse?
Jeff Bowden's inept play calling nearly cost FSU the Miami game. Now it is true that he has two young quaterback to work with, but that is this year. His play calling is unimaginative and uninspired. He can't make ajustments on the fly to a defensive coach's changes and he is putting his quarterback and the entire offense in a position to fail. In the Maimi game he did not call any simple passes (except split screens which ary really just handoffs) the help his quarterback in a rythm the way the Miami staff did. There were no passes thrown to the tightend. He tried the same play twice inside the 5 yard line and then another straight ahead run, the result they LOST 3 yards. Miami was obviously waiting for those plays, but rather that run off tackle or call a pass play (remember when FSU threw fade routes on short and Goal?) they palys he called ran right at the defense who was waiting for them. Micky Andrews and the defense bailed him out this time, but there will come a time when the offense will need to make a pressure drive and I just don't think that Jeff Bowden is up to the task. If FSU doesn't return to their Mid 90's form soon their ablity to recruit will soon go downhill. In fact it already has, Maimi's quarterback Wright is from Califorina, but he was a an FSU fan, we tried to recruit him, but where did he end up MIAMI.
Jeff Bowden has has four years to show us what he can do and as far as I am concerned, he has shown that he can do absolutly NOTHING.
I grew up in Tallahassee when Bobby Bowden first came to town, I have been going to games since I was 4 years old, and since I moved to the midwest I have done my beat to keep up with FSU football but I it has gotten to he point that it hurts to watch the games. Please can't somebody make Bobby see that Jeff is just not up the task? You know he has worked his entire career for his father? He needed to leave FSU a long time ago, just to show that he could coach outside of the FSU hothouse that his daddy had him in since he started coaching. Unfortunately since he never really paid his dues, near earned his job, he never grew as a coach , and now he and the entire FSU football community is paying the price for his lack of experience.
ap said:
posted on September 6, 2005 10:40 AM — 67.101.56.188 — link — abuse?
The irony is we won the game we should have lost. What is chance that Jeff will have his duties further eroded before too much longer? Both freshman quarterbacks, similar talent different play calling might make FSU look better. Can either FSU QB play at this level?
kent said:
posted on September 6, 2005 6:31 PM — 71.100.0.17 — link — abuse?
Our 2 quarterbacks are the most successful high school quarterbacks in Florida high school history. Both one day envision themselves as NFL quarterbacks. Does anyone believe that either of these boys can rise to that level under the tutelage of Jeff Bowden? Advise to Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee: you will never reach your potential under Jeff Bowden. Though you feel allegiance to FSU consider your future. Consider a transfer to the evil genius,Steve Spurrier. Though I hate to admit it the man can coach offense and quarterbacks.
Adam said:
posted on November 5, 2005 7:39 PM — 202.33.24.63 — link — abuse?
Having just seen the FSU/NCST score come across the ticker, I wonder: what was FSU's excuse last year? This year they are young: last year they had a 4 year starter at QB. I just watched Lou Holtz and Mark May on ESPN. They spent about 1 minute on the FSU/NCST game. No one is surprised when the Seminoles lose to a junk team. What about the ACC in general. Is any team other than the 3 imports (FSU, Miami, and VT) ranked. And if FSU loses to either Clemson or Florida, bye bye top 25 What was the ACC's signature game outside of conference? BYU, East Carolina, Navy, Army, The Citadel? Wake did play a lousy Nebraska team and got blown out. VMI, West Virginia, UCONN, Ball State, South Florida, Utah, Marshall, Temple, Middle Tennessee State, Southern Miss?. A joke of a schedule. Oh, North Carolina played Wisconsin...and lost. Eastern Kentucky? Let's not forget East Carolina's win over Wake Forest. No wonder the two best defenses in the NCAA come from the ACC. Navy beat Duke! The ACC is lousy.
Jeff Bowden should be fired. How about this for a story? The only team that scored less offensive points against NCSTATE was Eastern Kentucky (10). Southern Miss scored 17, Wake scored 27, Clemson scored 31, UNC scored 31...and FSU scored offensive 13 points!
FSU is now an average team in a below average conference; all because of Jeff Bowden.
Jon said:
posted on November 6, 2005 1:20 AM — 12.190.5.61 — link — abuse?
Timeline:
2000 - #1 Offense in the Nation
------ (Jeff Bowden is hired)
2001 - #26 Offense in the Nation
2002 - #32 Offense in the Nation
2003 - #37 Offense in the Nation
2004 - #61 Offense in the Nation
------ (Marc McHale is hired)
2005 - #23 (before NC state loss)... FALLING SHARPLY... and highly likely to continue dropping with (Clemson, Florida, Miami) left on the schedule.The question is.. will Jeff Bowden be able to beat (worsen) his 2004 records of #61 in 2005.
If thats not enough to convince you, look at what Anquan Boldin is doing in the NFL compared to what he did at FSU.
Paradox:
1) Bobby Bowden brings in top recruits.
2) Bobby Bowden will not fire inept offensive coordinator because he is his son.
3) Any outside intervention may lead to the loss of #1And I got news for you, our recruitment is going to start falling off even with Bobby Bowden. If you were a top offensive player (with a chance to play in the NFL), would you want to come to a college known for having an inept offensive coordinator?
Are FSU fans willing to accept 8-3 and 7-4?
Are we going to allow Bobby Bowden to tear down the dynasty he built?
Or will the athletic department, alumni and fans 'step up to the plate' and do what has to be done.
David R. said:
posted on November 7, 2005 10:28 AM — 216.199.196.77 — link — abuse?
How many years will it take before the coaching staff ay FSU (whether it is a Bowden or not) realize that the tight end has to be an intregal part of the passing offense. Look at all the major programs and NFL and tight ends are highly utilized parts of the offense. Not using the tight end makes pass coverage by a mediocre team look great and it also seems to affect FSU's defense because they cannot seem to cover other teams tights ends very well, i.e. Miami, NC State, Virginia, BC. During the NC State game, I do not think one pass was thrown to the tight end. Where were the draws, traps and screens that are usually part of a game plan when facing two NFL first round defensive ends who have tremendous up field rushes every play? FSU used to rely on its talent level being much greater than other teams, but with the growing parity under the NCAA scholarship rules, coaching creativity becomes more and more important. It appears that FSU is still trying to win solely on talent as the coaching is highly suspect.
show smith said:
posted on November 9, 2005 3:53 PM — 68.59.112.146 — link — abuse?
bobby recruited me that was 14 years ago he dont know the names of his players seminole nation dont deserve this. all in the family. dont do this to us chris davis leon washington cromartie watkins sims davis nicholson dont deserve to be without a national championship
Trevor said:
posted on November 10, 2005 10:36 PM — 24.214.146.163 — link — abuse?
I agree with it all. Even the defense has started to crumble. I wonder if the noles had not found out that BC lost if we would have lost that game. The truth is seminoles fans and players alike are spoiled. It might take a 5-8 season to wake some people up. Anyway i would like to play just one game and be the underdog, the noles always have the "don't lose this one" roll. There is far to much talent on this team to lose to virgina or NC jeff is a major problem and unfortunately so is Bobby he needs to get more involved. To much delegation is going on. A few more years of this and good bye 5 or even 4 star recruits and good bye dynasty.
Sam said:
posted on November 11, 2005 12:00 AM — 64.136.49.227 — link — abuse?
I know we are all frustrated, but I am not quite ready to give up on Jeff and Drew. I don't know if you guys noticed, but we can't run the ball... period, and that is really saying something about the OL considering the talent we have in the backfield. Why Antone didn't get more carries against NCSU is beyond me! Piss poor OL recruiting is what has really done this team in. Duke was blowing up our running plays for crying out loud. Unfortunately I don't really see it getting any better. It looks like we are gonna whif on most of the big time recruits, but Hardrick could come in and start. What I wouldn't do to land Andre Smith and Sam Young in recruiting...
Jon said:
posted on November 11, 2005 10:29 PM — 68.35.253.211 — link — abuse?
I know we are all frustrated, but I am not quite ready to give up on Jeff and Drew.
If you can look at what Charlie Weiss and Steve Spurrier have done to their programs (in one year...mind you) and say your not ready to give up on this moron....Your obviously a gator fan
Justin said:
posted on November 12, 2005 1:18 PM — 71.3.226.229 — link — abuse?
Jeff Bowden should not be allowed in the stadium during any FSU game unless he is going to sell cokes in the stands. We are lucky that the Atlantic division sucks or else we would be playing the damn CarQuest Bowl. Get rid of Jeff and lets move on with this young team.
Bob said:
posted on November 12, 2005 8:22 PM — 70.119.197.33 — link — abuse?
Thats it!!! The Bowden days should end at FSU!!!
The team is acting like their coaches--- old, predictable, lifeless. Bobby has done great things but his time has come. He refuses to inject new ideas and new life into an unimaginative, undisciplined offense and defense.adam said:
posted on November 13, 2005 2:15 AM — 152.163.100.139 — link — abuse?
yes FSU is a young team. However, I would hope a young team would be coached throughout the season and get better as the season goes on. It seems FSU is not improving from week to week and i would think this has something to do with coaching.
yes play calling begins with film, but adjustments are made during the game. I sometimes wonder if FSU's coaching staff knows what that word means.
FSU has come out the past few weeks and quite a few time the past few years very flat. Some would say that these are young men and should not need a peptalk to play football, but when it happens this often maybe it has something to do with the grown men that surround them.
Some would say the 2005 Noles have shown character by not giving up and continuing to fight. while this is true i am anxious to see what kind of character it takes to show up ontime and fight from the beginning.CHUCK said:
posted on November 13, 2005 3:03 AM — 24.22.195.101 — link — abuse?
Sorry Sam, but it is time "to give up on Jeff and Drew." The 'Noles gave up 35 points today. It hurt to watch the game. My only solace for this sorry FSU season is that I still have my graduate school--Ohio State University--in the top 25 (actually in the top 10). The Top 25: a place where you will not see FSU again this year after today's thrashing. Hope springs eternal: maybe the old guy, Bobby, will turn it around like his old buddy, Joe Paterno, has done at Penn State
PVBnole said:
posted on November 13, 2005 7:21 AM — 68.218.150.245 — link — abuse?
Enough is enough. All the talk about Jeff Bowden being a poor OC (Which he is). And our offensive line is among the worst in the country (which it is). Ultimately who is responsible for the incredibly poor choice of selecting our OC (Bobby) and the inability to recruit offensive linemen (Bobby).
Let's face it folks, we need to thank Coach Bowden for everything he has done for the FSU program. He is responsible for making it the top program in the country (At least up through 2000). But now Coach Bowden must step down for the sake of our program and a new, dynamic head coach must be selected to carry on Coach Bowden's legacy.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 13, 2005 3:05 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
we're all about to find out what kind of AD we have. he talks a good game and so far i've been impressed. but you know he can't be comfortable with the situation he finds himself in. i wouldn't be surprised to see him resign. tough situation for all seminoles. Bobby brought us from nowhere and it looks like he's going to leave us there.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 13, 2005 3:12 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
this seminole/gator game is going to be one for the ages. yu've got to go back a long way to remember one where both teams were this horrible. even then, they were usually entertaining. i figure we still have a great chance if we can block 5 kicks and hold them to 3 interception returns. hopefully it will pour rain so the offenses will look at home running their predictable crap.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 13, 2005 3:30 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
as much as i can't stand that little sawed-off worm Lou Holtz, at least he had the decency to do the right thing concerning his son Skip. when the offense started going south, he demoted his own son. for the first time in my life, i suddenly had an enormous amout of respect for him. it didn't help the offense much, but it helped the fans. there's enough money in the FSU program that Jeff's not going to starve. Please do something before the fans (including me) bolt.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 13, 2005 4:17 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
one more and i'll shut up. Remember when we use to lose a big game to UF or UM or whoever, Bobby used to mention on his show how he hurt for the fans and how he appreciated the fans. i hardly ever hear him mention the fans anymore. while bobby did build the program to where it was in 2000, he did it with our money. the stadium would still hold 47,000 like it did when i started attending if we didn't buy the tickets. our teams were average back then, but we knew how to block, tackle and kick. the program has gotten away from the basics including the fans. this didn't start with Jeff. it has just been magnified under Jeff. i'm not sure his firing will get us back, but somebody has to try something. ther's a lot at stake.
Justin said:
posted on November 13, 2005 6:22 PM — 71.3.226.229 — link — abuse?
Yesterday was the first time in long time that I actually felt sick watching a Florida State game. How can we start the season with one of the best defenses in the county and have two of the best LBs and then give up 35 points to Clemson. If Bobby cant look at this season and see that there is a huge problem then I have to question Bobby's sense of reality. We have lost more games in a season before but none looked this bad with an offense that cant even pick up first downs anymore and a defense that has more holes in it then swiss chesse.
posted on November 14, 2005 9:29 AM — link — abuse?
gregoryb (#36) - i figure we still have a great chance if we can block 5 kicks and hold them to 3 interception returns.
That may be the funniest, most insightful comment I've ever read. Of course, now I have Diet Coke all over my laptop, but...awesome. ::bows::
gregoryb said:
posted on November 14, 2005 11:34 AM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
i NEVER thought i'd admit this to anyone. i've gotten the most enjoyment this football season from staying home on Saturday nights and watching the SEC matchups. it doesn't matter who plays. the games are awesome. if there is any consolation to this season, it's that we don't have to play an SEC schedule. Vandy looks scary to me right now. remember when we used to own the SEC? now, one of my lifelong dreams is about to occur(FSU-ALABAMA:2007)and i'm already dreading the hell out of it. maybe we can pull an Auburn stunt and cancel.
Bill said:
posted on November 14, 2005 6:53 PM — 209.102.150.78 — link — abuse?
Whatever happened to doing whatever it takes to win a ball game? Every coach now, except ours, throws in a trick play to keep other teams off balance. We are so unbelivably predictable, Choctaw High could figure us out. When are our big supportors going to go to Dave Hart and say, "Coach, we love you, you are family, but you are just not getting the job done.
Justin said:
posted on November 14, 2005 8:44 PM — 71.3.226.229 — link — abuse?
After we go to the wesuck.com Bowl, the AD or Bobby himself needs to take a long look at this season and the last four seasons and figure out how to stop this sinking ship and put us back on the unstopable track. Now that we have lost to three unranked team in four weeks something has to be done. We used to be invented and unpredictable and now I can sit on my couch and call the next play. We need to figure out how to get first downs, but continue to block punts!
posted on November 14, 2005 10:11 PM — 68.35.231.61 — link — abuse?
This is the kind of season that can kill a program, because recruits are paying attention. I'd hate to think that FSU is headed for a Penn State-like stay at the bottom of the ACC for the next few years.
Ken Snyder said:
posted on November 15, 2005 11:14 AM — 162.123.17.82 — link — abuse?
At least Spurrier used to take blame, i.e. "I guess we just didn't coach them well". Bobby never takes blame. On the Bobby Bowden show when Gene asked him the keys to a UF victory - he gave no answer. He should have $2million worth of ideas on how to win..
Trevor Lobdill said:
posted on November 15, 2005 10:59 PM — 24.214.146.163 — link — abuse?
Let's face it Bobby isn't going anywhere. I do not think he is the problem. Jeff is. There is alot to be said about the coaching staff and the adjustments not being made during the game. Florida state is a big money school and if something is not done, the athletic director will be forced to go underneath bobby and make the decision for him. Anyway I guess I will continue to be a fan no matter what and hope hope hope it turns around.
Los Ortiz said:
posted on November 17, 2005 10:05 PM — 70.156.131.172 — link — abuse?
I found a link to a petition to fire Jeff Bowden. For those fans that are serious about getting rid of this guy, I encourage you to sign and share it with all your friends and family members. Spread the word about it. Maybe we can have a voice in it after all.
kyle said:
posted on November 19, 2005 3:11 PM — 64.139.241.4 — link — abuse?
TO say that FSU hasn't had much to work with is very stupid. Do you watch football, do you know who the seminoles are? We have still had some of the best recruiting classes in the nation since Richt left. Jeff Bowden is THE only reason that the seminoles lose to NC State and Clemson and Virginia. We lose to a garbage team every year because the offense looks like Duke's. We are 3rd and long everytime. The playcalling has been terrible, we are way too predictable. I remember when we were unpredictable on offense and it was one of our greatest strengths. Bobby was known for his trickery. I am sick and tired of Jeff getting a free pass becuase of his bloodline. Bobby Bowden is the king of Tallahassee, but the prince has got to go.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 22, 2005 7:45 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
heard a rumor that Derrick Brooks is slinging his weight around about the JB situation. this is from a very inside source. its about time that some of our former dynasty members started weighing in on the situation. this is their program as much as anybody's.
Clint said:
posted on November 26, 2005 6:47 PM — 68.35.195.108 — link — abuse?
Hey,
This is Clint Ledford. Richard Ledford's son. You need to use Xavier Lee more. In the Gator game, and in all the other games. Tell your players that they need to play hard even when they're playing, hmm... lets say Virgina, Clemson, and NC State. This sucks really bad Bobby. YOU SUCK!Andy said:
posted on November 26, 2005 7:40 PM — 205.188.116.199 — link — abuse?
This FSU grad and 40 year Nole fan found himself rooting for UF to beat us today. The only way we beat VaTech next week is if they don't show up.
So we go 7-5 and maybe now, even the die hard Bobby is God fans will wake up and smell the coffee. Bobby saved the program when he came here. Now his ego and his nepotism are working to destroy it.
The game has passed him by. Accept it. He won't quit b/c he's worried JoePa will pass his record. Paterno will do that very soon if he keeps Jeff around. Quick- name one college program that would hire Jeff Bowden? It's time to stop making excuses for ineptness.It's not even fun to watch FSU football when we win.
For those who say the offensive line is the problem (and it's a big problem), how many offensive linemen did we sign last year? And who, pray tell, is responsible for that? Bobby should have gracefully bowed out after the 1999 Championship season. Now it's time for the high-roller Golden Chiefs to sit him down and offer him an exit strategy.Jon said:
posted on November 26, 2005 7:45 PM — 68.35.253.211 — link — abuse?
I don't think Drew Wetherford is the problem...And I completely retract all my previous doubt of Chris Rix. FSU's QBs were some of the most heavily recruited talent in the nation... I don't think players have a chance to improve themselves under Jeff.....And if his predictable playcalling doesn't make it hard enough on the QB....he has admitted serveral times he is not interested in the "little details of football".... Which is kinda sad, because any football coach knows micro-teaching of technique is the #1 thing in football. Our football players are leaving FSU with the same amount of knowledge they came here with.
I think we should all get together at the end of the season and have a party when he is removed. Removing him is like a mini-national championship... Let the champaign flow
Damian said:
posted on November 26, 2005 8:22 PM — 69.241.16.99 — link — abuse?
Jeff is definitely part of the problem. The bigger problem is Bobby. Since the departure of Richt, the offense resembles pop-warner. FSU used to be able to score on one play, and special teams play was a strength. Now we have nepotism (promoting jeff) instead of getting someone more qualified and not related. Bobby can't get them motivated anymore and can't keep them from the stupid bs personal fouls and penalties. Mickey can't adjust to the new style and speed of the competitors. It kills me to say it but, maybe it is time for a change from top to bottom.
maddogbailey said:
posted on November 27, 2005 8:55 AM — 152.163.100.139 — link — abuse?
Obviously Hart does not havethe balls to fire Jeff and put Bobby on notice. Bad coaching has killed our defense the last five years. Help us Hart. Get rid of the boy and tell dad to start coaching again. He never even wears the head sets except on occasion. I want a head coach who coaches and does not endulge his no talent son.
Charlie Cabiac said:
posted on November 27, 2005 9:29 AM — 64.193.4.24 — link — abuse?
I can't believe that of the thousands of fans who had the thrill of watching Xavier Lee spin his magic in high school, hardly anyone (except his awesome mom, his #1 fan)--most especially the sportswriters--is SCREAMING at Bobby & Jeff to give this guy a chance.
Yesterday was their golden opportunity to start Xavier. Every time they've put him in the game this season, they've been way far behind. Sure Drew may be leading the ACC in passing, but what good is that statistic when they're LOSING? The fact remains that Xavier is an option quarterback, and Bobby & Jeff just love those big, immobile drop-back qb's.
Well, the first sportswriter who writes that Xavier is transferring--and losing a year of eligibility--will have a scoop, 'cause there's no way he's staying at FSU. Why he picked the place at all defies logic. And let's not forget that his rotting away on the Seminoles' bench MUST be affecting his academics. Don't be surprised if you see the X-Man in a Clemson Tiger or SC Gamecock uniform. We WILL be watching him on Sundays!
Brandon B Bates said:
posted on November 27, 2005 12:13 PM — 68.56.24.48 — link — abuse?
As Jon pointed out earlier...
Timeline:
2000 - #1 Offense in the Nation
------ (Jeff Bowden is hired)
2001 - #26 Offense in the Nation
2002 - #32 Offense in the Nation
2003 - #37 Offense in the Nation
2004 - #61 Offense in the Nation
------ (Marc McHale is hired)
2005 - #42 (after blowout in Gainesville).The much maligned Chris Rix was at the helm during this fall from grace. Is it possible that he actually got worse after each year of experience??? Or did Jeffery have something to with it....
Following is an excerpt from a seminoles.com article
McHale, 54, joined the Marshall staff in 2000 as the offensive line coach and served in that capacity for two seasons before being elevated to Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator prior to the 2002 season. Marshall ranked among the nation's top three in total offense in 2001 and 2002, and ranked third nationally in passing offense in both those seasons. The Thundering Herd ranked 18th nationally in total offense in 2003.
"Mark (McHale) is exactly what I was looking for in an offensive line coach," said Bobby Bowden. "His maturity and experience will be a great addition to our staff. He's an excellent recruiter and I think the chemistry will be good on the staff.
"Marshall's offenses have been so successful and they've put a number of offensive linemen into professional football, as well as quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich. I've followed Mark's progress since he was a graduate assistant at West Virginia. He coached Southern Miss' offensive line when they beat us in Jacksonville, and I've watched his success down through the years. I know how much Bob (Marshall head coach Bob Pruett) thinks of him and that says a lot."Can anybody tell me why he's not designing and calling the plays...
Bottom Line: It doesn't take a "dagum" mental giant to see what's happening to our program and how mission critical it is to make changes immediately. We still have a lot young talent on both sides of the ball that can play at championship level if coached properly, once they're gone, Miami, UF, other top programs take our recruits and 34-7 losses become the norm.
please sign the petition and forward the link to all who can help..http://www.petitiononline.com/firejb04/petition.html
fsufan1202022 said:
posted on November 27, 2005 1:11 PM — 69.254.162.233 — link — abuse?
Who the hell runs a sweep to the right on 3 and inches who the hell does that. Jeff bowden does for some messed up reason. I think Jeff needs to stick to coaching his sons pop warner team then coaching at FSU actually hire Jeff as the cheerleading coach. Some of these players on the o-line have been starting now for at least 2 weeks and actually had three weeks to understand the plays. If our offensive coordinator is not making sure they are ready then he needs to get the hell out of Dodge. As far as X-man kiss him goodbye to Texas, Auburn, or any place else then here. We are horrible i wish they did shut us out. It would have been much better that way. Bobby I know you have family loyalty we all understand this. However, you can see and the rest of us can see things are not getting done on the offense. PLEASE PLEASE do something. This is all we ask for.
JEFF Z said:
posted on November 27, 2005 5:04 PM — 64.12.116.139 — link — abuse?
I HAVE BEEN A NOLES FAN FOR 24 YEARS AND I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH THE WHOLE COACHING STAFF ESPECIALLY WITH BOBBY BOWDEN FOR THE SIMPLE FACT HE IS LETTING JEFF DESTROY ALL THE PRIDE,SWAGGER,AND COMPLETE DOMINANCE THAT WAS BUILT BY THE TEAMS OF THE PAST AND THE FANS.DONT GET ME WRONG I APPRECIATE WHAT BOBBY HAS DONE FOR FLORIDA STATE BUT NOW IT SEEMS HE IS PUTTING JEFF IN FRONT OF THE PROGRAM AND ALL OF SEMINOLE NATON.SO TO ALL FANS,BOOSTERS,ALUMNI,AND PLAYERS PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE,LET BOBBY AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR HART KNOW ARE CONCERNS ABOUT OUR PROGRAM!!!
Matt said:
posted on November 28, 2005 11:28 AM — 69.180.69.106 — link — abuse?
Let me set you in the closet gator fans and jumping ship nole fans straight.
First, Brandon B Bates, I like how you showed the declining offensive production over the years since Jeff took the play calling duties over. However, McHale is from Marshall, enough said. Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich are crap quarterbacks. Who does Marshall play? Point being, McHale is unproven. This zone blocking scheme is not working!Charlie Cabiac, The reason Xavier Lee isn’t in yet is because he calls the wrong plays at the line of scrimmage. You can watch him play on your favorite NFL team, and see where they finish, LAST!
Gregoryb, you had some great posts, yet watching Vandy and the SEC. You kill me. Vandy plays on Friday night under the lights…..
Whoever said go after Louisville’s coach, eat crap! Mickey Andrews is our next in line coach. Look at all the players in the NFL; they are on the defensive side of the ball. Our offensive is killing us. All those 3 and outs. I would be tired too.
If you look at our big problem besides Jeff, it’s recruiting. We had four years when Rix took the helm to get an all-star quarterback! We didn’t. We took a coaches son who contracted A LSD problem after his Dave Mathews concert! The other two have a lot of work to do. Why did we even recruit Christian Ponder (a three star quarterback?). The funniest thing, FSU doesn’t recruit, WE RELOAD!
Our problem is Jeff, but it’s our field goal kicker Ciserilla (who sucks), and our punter Hall (who can’t kick it over thirty yards with roll). Tyler Hall sucks( he drops more balls than Jenna Jameson), as does our cornerbacks, who will get better with time.
Bobby will be like Paterno, who they said he “lost it”. Penn State is back. Florida State has twice the athletes and talent.
Keep talking smack to family, fellow co-workers, and everyone. I do. I love our program. We will be back! Did i just talk like a gator? We are going to kill Va Tech in the ACC championship. Those of you who jump, I hope you sink. Florida State, Florida State, Florida State, WHOOOOO!
Kyle said:
posted on November 28, 2005 11:56 AM — 65.13.194.167 — link — abuse?
As an alumnus I am disgusted with my team's coaching staff. Sure back in the good ole days we had Coach Richt and Amato among others and we now understand that those days are gone. Though the defense seems to be struggling somewhat Coach Andrews is the only one with any sense anymore. Coach Richt took our playbook with him and look what he has done for UGA. Successful people surround themselves with other successful people. This hasn't been the case recently with FSU. Coach Bowden made a mistake not retiring on top after the last national championship. He loses Richt and does his son a favor by giving him a promotion. Xavier Lee will transfer, mark my word. Fabian Walker left and led Valdosta State to a national championship. Nobody believed in him or worked with him. I haven't seen us winning one lately. In business it is better to treat your employees with respect or they could become your worst competitor. It would be a shame to have to end up playing against Lee and him actually beating the mess out of us, but it will happen. Just pray to God Spurrier doesn't get ahold of him. I'm sure he actually knows and respects his talents. Now history will remember the worst of times rather than the best of them. Coach Andrews would be a great replacement for Bowden. Everyone is replaceable. i.e. (Tyrone Willingham, Ron Zook, Vince Dooley)Just ask us that give the money to pay those big salaries each year. Maybe we should hold off on donations. Maybe that would peak the ole AD's interest.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 28, 2005 11:56 AM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
according to coach bobby bowden, (today's democrat) he doesn't want to be evaluated by people like me and you who don't play the game. fair enough. dave hart must do it. if he won't do it, T.K. must evaluate him. somebody do their freaking job!!! we are the laughing stock of the entire nation who have been waiting to pay us back for years of dominance. the road back won't be easy. the sooner we get started, the better.
Ross said:
posted on November 28, 2005 5:42 PM — 68.1.28.47 — link — abuse?
I watched last the pre-game show for Saturday's game against UF. In it, CBS had an interesting discussion about pending coaching changes, including the University of Tennessee's reported hiring of a ndew offensive coordinator and the need for change at F.S.U. because the entire offense seems out of sync. Unfortunately, the analysts reported that no changes in F.S.U.'s offensive staff are likely to be forthcoming. that's a shame.
Later, F.S.U. situation was discussed by ESPN commentators and was described as being one of the most disappointing seasons in the NCAA this year (the analysts agreed that Tennessee and Syracuse had the most disappointing seasons).
During the UF game after one of our offense's futile rushing attempts, the broadcasters showed a statistic that amazed me: F.S.U.'s average rushing yardage per game is the LOWEST SINCE 1973! Yes, 1973, the same year F.S.U. went 0-11! That's horrible and shows just how bad our offense has become.
I am embarrased to say that I was one of those that thought Chris Rix was a largest part of the problem in the 2001-2004 seasons. I was wrong; Chris Rix got a bum rap. The problem was and still is the offensive coaching staff that was hired when Mark Richt left after the 2000 season. Jeff Bowden and our quarterback coach, Darryl Dickey, are frankly not getting the job done. The talent we have at quarterback alone is among the best in the country; the problem is that we have below average quality coaching. Rix never improved after the 2001 season; Weatherford's improvement stopped after about half way through this season. The Rix situation cannot be allowed to occur again.
Overall, our talent on offense is tremendous; great quaterbacks, running backs and receivers. Granted, we've had injuries to offensive linemen, but every other team has had injuries too. Until we scored in the fourth quarter against UF, F.S.U. had gone 9 quarters without an offensive touchdown! Given the talent we have, that is simply unbelievable and cannot be tolerated any longer.
Does anyone doubt that George Weis (the new Notre Dame coach) would have produced a a truly outstanding season with the talent F.S.U. has?
The solution seems to me to be that F.S.U. needs to do the following:
1. Demote Jeff Bowden to receiver's coach, if he wants to stay. When he had that job, he did it well and our receivers did not drop balls and could block downfield on runnng plays. (When was the last time anyone saw a receiver actually block downfield for a run?)
2. Hire a new offensive coordinator. We should find and hire the best in the nation and pay him whatever it takes to get him.
3. Mark McHale, our offensive line coach, should be placed on notice by Dave Hart that McHale has one year to solve the problems with our line (a lack of run blocking or pass blocking - actually any semblence of blocking at all!). If he does not do so, he should be replaced.
4. Immeidately fire Darryl Dickey and hire a new quarterback coach. F.S.U. has produced a number of quaterbacks over the years that might do well in this capacity (Danny Kannell might be a good candidate and he has NFL experience).
5. Hire a good special teams coach. Our special teams coaching has been horrible all year (e.g.; the fielding of kick-offs against UF - twice we did not get beyong the 10-yard line). Mickey Andrews should focus his genius solely on the defense. Hiring a special teams coach will permit Coach Andrews to focus his efforts where they belong.
6. Billy Sexton should also be told that major improvements to the running game must occur next year if he is to keep his job. We have three of the best running backs in the nation. For F.S.U. to have the worst rushing attack in 32 years is incomprehensible and unacceptable.
In short, we need new ideas from our offensive coaching staff; the current staff cannot get the job done and have not been getting the job done for more than 5 years. Please remember our problems began with the horrible play calling and offensive execution against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl/National Championship Game in 2001. That game was Jeff Bowden's first game as offensive coordintor.
Dave Hart needs to have a long and very direct discussion with Coach Bowden. If he is truly honest with himself, Coach Bowden with agree that offensive coaching changes are warranted because the current coaches are not getting the job done. Based on his comments after the UF game in his press conference, I believe that Coach Bowden really knows intelectually what needs to be done; for obvious reasons he can't admit it to himself.
If we do not take prompt, decisive steps to remedy the problems that are obvious to every analyst that has looked at them, I fear that our recruiting will be damaged. I am seriously concerned that the great athletes will decide to move to more competitive programs that are doing what it takes to be successful.
Coach Hart should do his part to help Coach Bowden make the painful decisions necessaary to restore F.S.U.'s program to the level it enjoyed from 1987 until 2000. If he does, we and Coach Bowden can all enjoy Seminole football the way Boach Bowden built it to be.
dwight said:
posted on November 28, 2005 6:54 PM — 65.2.188.76 — link — abuse?
Jeff Bowden needs to step down and take the heat for his father and the team. I have read the posts on this site from 8/18/2005 to the UF game and the opinions are quite varried. However, if you take a look at the top teams in the Nation right now (aside from USC) these teams have won games by adjusting the play calling to fit the defense and talent on the field. I have witnessed this along with many other FSU fans in games against Miami. Miami's OC and offense have been able to rise to the occassion many times late in the second half to take a win. And they have done it with new QB's. Look how good the freshman looked against us this year. The play calling in the second half nearly got them another late 4th qtr win. All of the important stats (on offense) are down since Jeff has taken the OC position and in reality the talent on the offensive side of the football really has not fallen off to the point our record(s) reflect. We have the talent and it is the coaching that makes the difference when you play equal or better talent. As a side note, I dont know too many teams that have lost the quality and quantity of coaches we have lost in the past 5-6 years.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 28, 2005 7:37 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
good post Ross. i agree with almost everything with a couple of small exceptions. Jeff Bowden is no wide receivers coach. our receivers have underachieved or been overbilled ever since John Eason left with Brad Scott. we've had better talent "on paper" in recent years but never the discipline or toughness of the Lawrence Dawsey types who didn't have the speed, but made up for it by being great football players. speaking of Brad Scott, our offense hasn't been all that explosive since he left. I wasn't then and still am not, that terribly impressed with Mark Richt. we were pretty good between the 20's under Richt, but average in the red zone. Scott is the one who new how to get in the end zone. i'm not sure where he is now, last i heard he was a tight ends coach. hard to believe.
dan said:
posted on November 28, 2005 9:16 PM — 68.1.120.83 — link — abuse?
it is all in the family---3 years ago Tommy was in the hot seat at Clemson until he won against FSU. This year when he beat FSU he gets a bowl bid (Tommy knows how predictable Jeff is) Fire Jeff? Bobby will not do that. it's family and it is big money. What parent doesn't want to help their children do well
mellow 1 said:
posted on November 28, 2005 10:33 PM — 69.246.173.228 — link — abuse?
Some stats for comparison:
UTEP FSU
total offense 20 41
total scoring 21 30
tot passing yds 2412 2794
tot rush yds 1004 1026
yds per game 341 347
total defense 50+ 11What I'm wondering is, who out there would trade the FSU players for UTEPs players? NOBODY. FSU has consistently recruited better players. The difference must be how the players are handled, and that is what you call coaching. Yeah, UTEPs opponents are a combined 37-79. But if you consider that from 2001-2003 UTEP was a combined 6-30, and since Price arrived have gone 16-7 (with a respectable 33-28 loss to Colorado in last year's Houston Bowl) while playing basically the same schedule, their coaching staff looks pretty darned good.
That's what coaches can do for a nothing team. That's how guys like Price move up the coaching ladder.
What coaching ladder, besides being related to Bobby, has Jeff climbed? Has he had noteworthy success anywhere that merits his post at FSU? This is not a program that should be hiring people to learn as they go.
chitownseminole said:
posted on November 29, 2005 3:56 PM — 205.255.224.10 — link — abuse?
Has anyone heard Dave Hart or Bobby Bowden come up with a plan on fixing the situation? I'm a business graduate from FSU and a die hard football fan. What shareholder wants to hear the CEO or any of the other managers make excuses for the bad performance. All they want to hear is what is going to be done to fix the problem. FSU football is just as much of a business as an NFL team. FSU football brings in millions of dollars to the school, and if they start losing like this, the money stops rolling in. When we miss out on going to a BCS game, that costs the school millions of dollars. Lots of people are starting to point fingers these days because of the struggles. Most of all Jeff Bowden. I do agree with Jeff as being a reason for the downfall. I don't believe he is the only reason though. The whole coaching staff is failing, including Bobby. Our offense is horrible. Our rushing is the worst it's been since 1973, yet we have 3 of the best running backs in the country. Our defense started out great but has gone downhill the last 7 games, yet we have some of the best linebackers in the country. Our Special Teams has been mediocre at best, and we recruited one of the strongest legs out of high school. The thing that I believe is hurting us the most though, is penalties. How many touchdowns have been brought back due to a penalty? How many interceptions have been reversed because of a penalty? How many first downs have been erased due to a penalty? Finally, how many times have we made it to the goal line, only to back ourselves up with false starts or holding calls. Who is ultimately responsible for this? The head coach. There is no discipline on this team. Week in and week out, FSU racks up more and more penalty yards. If you look at the top teams in the country. They are among the fewest penalized teams in football. Some teams up there have great offenses, and some have great defenses. What makes the great teams great though, is discipline. We need to get that back in our program. I love Bobby, and appreciate everything he has done for this program, but he needs to step up and give us a plan on how to fix the problem we have, or step down. I have read his book and found out how he coaches. He coaches the staff, and the staff coaches the players. The grade of players we're recruiting isn't changing, just the staff. Look at how the Patriots are doing without their OC and DC. Look how Notre Dame is doing with Weiss. It shows how important an OC can be. Bobby's excuse for not being more involved is because he's too busy now that FSU is a powerhouse. He has outings, and signings, and his show after games, and all of the other crap he has to do. That's fine. He's earned it. If he wants that though, he needs to get a staff that is qualified to lead the Noles to the top. Apparently this is not the staff. If Bobby doesn't want to get rid of his staff (which I think is stupid loyalty) he needs to quit some of his off the field duties and become more involved in the team. What do I know though? Bobby doesn't want to hear people like me blaming Jeff for the team's failures. He wants to put the blame on things like injuries and the players not playing to their ability. I believe a coach's job is to work with what you have, and develop the players. What we have is pretty good even with the injuries, and the players aren't playing to their abilities because they're not being coached to. I'm not trying to tell Bobby who's at fault. I just want to hear from him what he plans on doing to get back to the way we should be. I don't believe that's too much to ask for. Especially since the alumni put a lot of money into the program.
gregoryb said:
posted on November 29, 2005 7:13 PM — 67.77.81.50 — link — abuse?
tell me how injuries caused this scenerio. we go to clemson and get hammered. we have two weeks to heal up and get ready for our hated rivals. we have nothing to lose (or so we thought). we should be foaming at the mouth. we should have nuclear weapons for offensive plays. what happens? we call two timeouts in the first 5 minutes. we've got injuries alright. the kind rehab won't fix.
db said:
posted on November 29, 2005 8:39 PM — 24.129.61.26 — link — abuse?
Many good comments above, and some not so good, precede this commentary; however, the most pertinent deal with ability, responsibility, accountability and the fortitude to address them. The CEO analogy says it best. To wit, inaction is an action that preordains the recent past will be repeated. As dissatisfied as we fans are, can it be true that AD Hart and Coach Bowden are satisfied to be complicit in forsaking the responsibilities they have chosen to undertake on behalf of all concerned?
Glenn said:
posted on November 29, 2005 11:52 PM — 64.12.116.139 — link — abuse?
As an FSU grad (masters in 1994), I certainly feel the pain that all Nole fan have been feeling for the last few years.
I actually think the tumble from grace started in with the Miami loss in 2000 (I went to that game with all those rude and uneducated Cane fans) followed by the National Championship loss to UO. Those 2 losses began the unravelling.
Also, to go to 5 national championship games since 1993 and only win 2 would probably negativley effect a team's confidence.
Yet that comment is completely ridiculus. FSU went to 5 National Championship games. Was ranked in the top 5 from 1987 to 2000. That's an incredible achievment. Not many schools have ever done that.
Until recently (2001 on) we have forgotten what its like to suck (if you can call being in the top 25 sucking.) By that standard, the vast majority of college teams suck. Trust me I know. I did my undergad at Madison Wisconsin from 1984 to 1988. And the Badgers sucked. One year we went 1 and 10. We sucked so bad that I lost all interest in College football. I was so burned out on NCAAF that when I when to FSU in 1993 for grad school I did'nt even know we had a good football team.(Incredible as that my seem). But what a great year to renew my interest in the game.
In any case, I point to the fact that it is not possible to be great every single year. Falling from greatness is inevitable. Name one great team from the past 80 years that has been consistenly top 5, year in and year out for 80 years. None! Everyone falls eventually. It just happens to be our turn.
Still, the fact that we were once great was an amazing ride. Thank you Booby Bowden and all those who pour money into the FSU coffers. Most teams have never seen the glory we have been privledged to be a part of.
Why most teams suck year in year out, I have no idea. Probalby a lack of financial support. Something FSU has an ubandance of. SO why do we suck now? (other than the fact that its not possible to be great every year, history proves that)
While a fall from grace is inevitable, its is how we respond to the crisis that matters.
The players talent is not the issue. Coaching is! Is Bobby past his prime? Maybe. Will he be past his prime in 3 to 5 years? Absolutley. It time to look for a replacement.
Is Jeff Bowden incompetant? After 5 less than par years by "FSU standards", he is unquestionably incompentant. He'd probably be a good High School coach. Maybe have should a started there.
It's time to fire Jeffy imediatley.Nepotism was the reson why Wisconson sucked all the years before Barry Alverez. The previous coach, who name is not worth remembering, had innumerable loser relatives on the coaching staff. All were fired the day Alverez arrived.
So Jeff, thank for proving my theory that not all teams can always be great. But your the reason for the decline. Riding daddy's coat tails when you suck is not how real men behave. Be a man, admitt you suck. Its OK, we don't hold it against you. You tried, but you suck. Have some dignity Man, and step down gracously before Daddy has to fire you.
A. Stephens said:
posted on December 1, 2005 4:00 PM — 72.236.126.226 — link — abuse?
I am a F.S.U. grad ('78). I remember F.S.U. football before Bobby Bowden. I remember when the stands were full when the Marching Chiefs played and everyone went to the restroom during the game. Bobby Bowden is the greatest football coach in the history of college football. No one can even debate that. As far as I am concerned, he has earned the right to coach at Florida State until he decides it is time to stop. Bobby does not want to go out this way, and I am convinced he will have us back on top before he is finished. We are spoiled fans because of the unprecedented success that this program has had under the leadership of Coach Bowden. What we need to do is shut our mouths and let Coach Bowden handle this. If we continue this public outcry going we will simply tie the hands of the very people who have the ability to fix the problem. So everybody just take a deep breath and allow the greatest coach in college football history to lead us back into national prominence.
jeff bowden said:
posted on December 1, 2005 6:09 PM — 71.51.161.234 — link — abuse?
I am pleading with my father to fire me but he told me I was a good coach. But I dont think that I am, I thought if I coached bad enough he would have to fire me, but it is not working. Then Rix came a long and took the heat off of me and no matter what I did they blamed Rix not me, damn I cant win. so anyways, I figure if enough people complain then Daddy will have to fire. So with ya'lls help I could leave. Anyways, sorry for messing up your season just to prove a point to my daddy. Go FSU 2006
Mobawa said:
posted on December 1, 2005 9:01 PM — 71.1.199.7 — link — abuse?
(Probably retarded to post my actual e-mail eh?)
5 years of one massive downward slope, I as people, what is the one STATIC FACTOR?
Jeff Bowden.
What does Bobby say?
(paraphrased) "People who have never played this sport criticizing me really make my job hard."
What does that mean? We can't tell that the offense sucks? We have another offense right there on the field to compare it to. Generally these offenses move the ball, consistently. A couple of games and I can tell almost exactly what is going to happen. I saw a quarterback keeper (the first one) in the 2005@Florida and that was the first time I was ever suprised in the Jeff Bowden era. Too bad we don't have a quarterback who is talented in that paticular department and the play seemed totally unpracticed.
Further marginalization (of jeff) is not the answer either. He must GO! For the fans, students and alumni. We need him gone. I can no longer stand the idea of him as he has hung on through far too much and far too little has been done. We the fans, alums, students and citizens of florida pay for every part of the school and the salary of Mr. Jeff Bowden. I don't want to do that any longer. Many don't except a few florida and miami fans.
As Benjamin Franklin is famous for saying :"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. " We need to try someone new, if we are going to expect different results. The cake walk 2006 season will be a struggle the way we have been playing.
I realize now that Bobby is too weak to cut this cancer from our beloved school so I ask why isn't someone else doing something? T.K Wetherall president of FSU.. Seems unconcerned about alumni donations, perhaps we are still being too generous? I'm forgoing keeping a Seminole plate (mostly of embarassment, not principle) and donating nothing to the school this year (instead gave to troubled teen programs who could put the money to better use even if we were national champions).
Jeff, your father said you can't read but I'm thinking he was joking. If you happen across this page please hang your cap and walk out the door already. Do not think you can hang around until the next championship season, watch your father retire (as has been hinted) and be made head coach. It would take 10 good seasons to forget think the old man can hold on that long? (would be nice, but unlikely).
I love how bobby says "whenever we start messing up it's fire jeff bowden" IT IS ALWAYS FIRE JEFF BOWDEN AND HAS BEEN FOR THREE SEASONS HERE!
Eric said:
posted on December 1, 2005 9:12 PM — 67.8.85.21 — link — abuse?
To all the FSU Friends and family, I have seen the best of this team and coaches and yes the good old days have passed, our problem is not only jeff bowden(major problem) and the offense, our problem is our ENTIRE coaching staff and mostly BOBBY,Combined with The lack of proper physical conditioning of our players. I have played college football and worked for the team in the late 90's, never have I seen so many injuries and lack of toughness and being unprepared every SAT from our premier players than of the last 5 yrs. A head coach should be the soul leadership and spirit to these players not working on his handicap 51 weeks of the year! Solution: Besides Andrews: clean house no more family members(coaches/Players) add 20,000 seats to Doak hire Mac Brown! Hats off to Mickey for sweating it out, but I think he will leave before Jeff.......
Steve Rhyne said:
posted on December 2, 2005 11:19 AM — 216.64.28.214 — link — abuse?
I think everyone is being to harsh on Jeff. He's doing a great job and I hope when Bobby retires they install him as head coach. Firing Jeff Bowden would be devastating to our program.
Sincerely,
Gator Fans Everywheremark said:
posted on December 4, 2005 1:39 AM — 71.52.163.53 — link — abuse?
I have been a noles fan since the infamous fumble-rooskie at clemson in 1988.I loved Charlie Ward and that offense in 1993. I have endured many ups and downs. These last few years, i have noticed a few things wrong with our offense. 1. We have 2 of the best rb's in the country, we do noy run the ball. Our offensive linemen aren't that bad, are they? Drew isn't getting hammered every time he throws the ball. Doesn't Bobby recruit o-linemen? 2. When I watch other teams play, their receivers are open. Let's take Notre Dame(hate them). They have 2 good receivers. Stovall, wasn't he at FSU? and I can't spell it, Smorjzita(?). When Brady thorws the ball, they are wide open. The bottom line is, we have been running the same offense since Charlie Ward, just not no-huddle. Bobby does his coaching in the living room. We still get top recruits, Lorenzo, Rouse, Cromartie, next year Rolle. I want Arizona State's coach, if he get's canned. Sure we have a lot of freshmen, but not Chris davis or willie reid or leon or lo booker or the defense.
mellow 1 said:
posted on December 4, 2005 1:25 PM — 69.246.173.228 — link — abuse?
Before we all take a sigh of relief that FSU beat Va Tech and saved Jeff's job, the DEFENSE won that game--and Va Tech lost it. In the third quarter Fla State:
Ran a punt back for a TD.
Went 56 yards in 3 plays for a TD following an interception. (drive began on the FSU 44).
Went 6 plays 19 yards and a punt. (drive began on FSU 46)
Went 7 plays 20 yards for a FG. (drive began on Va Tech 44).
Went 4 plays 31 yards for a TD following a fumble recovery. (drive began Va Tech 31).
While 126 yards, 45 1st downs, and 17 points looks good on paper, the facts were that Va Tech was in schock, committed 2 critical penalties, gave up 3 long passes and 1 14 yard run.
If FSU had sustained this kind of offense for the whole game, yeah, you might say they had it going on. The line pass blocked well, but that was about it.
And in the 4th quarter, with the game on the line, FSU NETTED 10 yards of total offense and 0 first downs. Not one. Had Va Tech receivers not dropped about 15 passes, they would have--should have--won the game.
I like FSU, don't get me wrong. But I know a good offense when I see one, and FSU, which consistantly nets top-10 recruiting classes, is NOT GETTING TOP 10 PERFORMANCE OUT OF THE PLAYERS.
Next loss: a blow-out to Penn State.
Jon said:
posted on December 5, 2005 12:36 PM — 68.35.253.211 — link — abuse?
Timeline:
2000 - #1 Offense in the Nation
------ (Jeff Bowden is hired)
2001 - #26 Offense in the Nation
2002 - #32 Offense in the Nation
2003 - #37 Offense in the Nation
2004 - #61 Offense in the Nation
------ (Marc McHale is hired)
2005 - #51 Offense in the Nation
Source:
http://ncaasports.com/football/mens/stats/stats
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Someone please call into the Bobby Bowden show and ask him at what statistical point is it no longer acceptable to keep an offensive coordinator. Challenge him to find an offensive coordinator who performed this poorly over his first 5 years and kept his job.
There is no precedent for any organization keeping someone who fails this badly. Out of college/pros, we are forging the way as the leader of ineptitude tolerance.Chris said:
posted on December 7, 2005 2:05 PM — 68.16.217.242 — link — abuse?
I hope the win against Virginia Tech does not change the voice of reason calling for Jeff Bowden's job. I have a sneaking suspicion that someone else created the game plan for Jeffrey --maybe Tommy? Let's keep the heat on Jeff Bowden. We have too much talent to go to waste. It is time for Jeff to go; win or lose against Penn State!
RobertS said:
posted on December 22, 2005 7:09 PM — 63.18.25.235 — link — abuse?
As a hurricane fan I have been watching this
comment board and I have TWO comments-1 Im glad to see that these rotten comments about Jeff have
stopped and 2- that they haven't started about
bobby yet,except for a few people that really see
what is going on. Good luck in the bowl game.Bob Shultz
Jon said:
posted on January 12, 2006 4:11 AM — 12.190.5.61 — link — abuse?
Nice to see our sophmores and juniors running for the NFL. Mediocre mid-range picks know better than to stay and play on a team going down the toilet.
Good luck in the NFL Cromartie and Simms. We are sorry you guys had to play under the worst coaches in Div 1a.
Mickey Britt said:
posted on January 22, 2006 10:39 AM — 68.46.228.32 — link — abuse?
I have repeatedly tried to make contact with coach Bowdens office and tell them about a totally new offense I have designed, to no avail. I am not bragging but I drew the west coast offense up in the early 1970's and gave it to the University of Mississippi offensive coach. He stated that it would drive a defense crazy but never utilitzed it.
This new offense is very radical and very good impossible almost to defend isolates your best players and spreads the defense to the max.
The personell has been changed dramatically. I am presently speaking with a coach at the University of Mississippi who acts like he thinks this offense has credence. Now are they going to implement it, I don't know but since I now live in Tallahassee, I would love to have the opportunity to help Florida State, but the one thing I know about football coaches is they know it all and no one can tell them anything.
It is a shame with attitudes like that it is amazing we are on a computer today, since the coaches should have thought of the computers also, as they know everything and if you don't think so just try to talk to one about something different and see how quick you learn that they know it all.
If anyone know's of a college that would love to win and have the most radical and hardest to defend offense in the world, and has the guts to implement change have them get in touch with me.
Florida state could easily be national champions with this offense, it may be more difficult for the University of Mississippi as they are not blessed with the talent Florida State has, but this offense will make a mediocore team a productive team on offense, then its up to the dfense but the offense will score.
Mickey Britt
dak said:
posted on September 9, 2006 8:12 PM — 24.31.105.87 — link — abuse?
Did you know: Jeff brought the wrong play schemes to the 05 Gator game. He brought the previous game's plays and that's why Weatherford had to call a time out right away because he had no idea what plays Jeff was sending in!!!! Had the Offensive Coordinator at any other program big or small done something this bone headed he would have probably been fired.
Jeff's play calling is a complete insult to the program and is at best a high school offense. One must also consider Anne Bowden's role in all this. She is the one who "suggested" to Bobby to promote Jeff and knows Jeff isn't competent enough to find another coaching job.
There, I've said my peace.
Jon said:
posted on September 11, 2006 1:50 PM — 69.246.161.119 — link — abuse?
We are getting exactly what we deserve.
Build a *current* coach into a god.
Let him promote his son. (Blatant nepotism)
Appoint a President (TK) who was coached by Bowden and is close personal friends.
....Continue diluting any potency the university has in removing a dumb ass offense coordinator.
....Adopt an apologist standpoint... Placing blame on everything, EXCEPT where the blame belongs.
Listen to Bobby Bowden after these games. He is in denial. He desperately wants to prove everyone wrong and is willing to drag the whole damn program down the toilet.
D. Moore or someone with heavy influence ($$) needs to pay to have a giant friggin mirror installed at the stadium so this football program can look at what it has become and step out of denial. Stop being compliant and allowing this to continue to degrade. Tell TK to do something.
Kirby Vieira said:
posted on September 15, 2006 1:29 PM — 72.152.218.246 — link — abuse?
Ever wonder why Jeffrey has had no head coaching offers anywhere, anytime. No one, other than Bobby or Ann, would want this misfit.
The greatest loss in the history of FSU's football program was not a game...it is Jeff Bowden.
Jeff's tombstone should read "Jeffrey Bowden - Youngest of the Bowden Children - Came along when all the coaching genes were gone - Never did one person do so little for so many - Single handedly ran his Daddy's name, reputation and legacy into the dirt - Single handedly changed one of the Country's finest football programs into mediocrity - A man of few talents and none in football.
There is a simple solution: Hire a replacement and pay Jeff his salary for 5+ years, so he can go coach Pop Warner kids. The fans will put up the money to be rid of him.
If Jeff Bowden had any personal integrity, he would resign.
Alvin G. said:
posted on September 15, 2006 9:02 PM — 68.204.218.105 — link — abuse?
Since J. Bowden is getting so much heat as an OC, why can't he be man enough and step down??? The play calling is horrible, so predictable and belongs on a field where football is played, on a Friday evening!!! I watch plays that Urban Meyer runs and he makes FSU's plays look like a Pop Warner game!!! FSU lost it's dominance ever since we lost Coach Richt and Coach Amato!!! I'm tired of seeing the same plays, year after year!!! Why do you think we can't run? It's probably because the opposing team has seen enough film that they know all of our plays, all 5 of them!!!
noles fan said:
posted on September 16, 2006 11:48 PM — 74.237.252.4 — link — abuse?
I've had it with Jeff and Bobby, losing to Clemson on your home field with the athletes FSU has is ridiculous. I am to the point where I don't really look forward to the games like I used to, not because they lose more but just because I'm tired of watching the same old crap plays being called and not executed. Face it FSU fans, we'll lose two or three more games this year if we don't learn to run the ball and I don't see that happening. The Dynasty is over.
oweb2 said:
posted on September 17, 2006 8:06 AM — 69.137.96.110 — link —
Gene Larew said:
posted on August 18, 2005 10:15 PM — 24.253.211.201 — link — abuse?Oklahoma has a run game coordinator, Kevin Wilson. Chuck Long has the passing game.
I'm not a coach, but what coaches have told me is the title of OC really doesn't mean much. Game plans are a collaboration of the entire staff. The way I understand most staffs work is that all the coaches are equally involved, just one coach gets the job title.
Some head coaches use the run game coordinator title as a hiring enticement.