40-Year Nole Anniversary: Bobby Bowden Coaches First Game at FSU

While today marks the 15th anniversary of something much bigger than football, it’s also the 40th anniversary of a day in Florida State football history that no one really thought much of at the time.

On Sept. 11, 1976, Bobby Bowden coached his first game as head coach of the Seminoles. Entering the year, Florida State had won just four combined games in the previous three years.

Bowden, a former FSU assistant, wasn’t seen as a savior at the time, but there was a sense of optimism surrounding him after he won nine games and the Peach Bowl the prior year at West Virginia.

Bowden’s first game came at Memphis and though the Seminoles lost 21-12, thanks largely to penalties and four turnovers, FSU fought to the bitter end. Florida State trailed 21-3 entering the fourth quarter, but used a Larry Key touchdown and a safety to make the final score look more respectable.

Bowden’s first FSU team would finish the year with a record of 5-6, thanks to three straight wins to close the 1976 season. The Seminoles haven’t had a losing season since.

Not counting the vacated wins in 2006 and 2007, Bowden would go on to win 316 games at Florida State and two national championships. From 1987-2000, his teams finished in the AP top-5 every season. Bowden ranks second all-time with 22 bowl wins and holds the record for consecutive bowl victories, winning 11 straight from 1985-95.

The field at Doak Campbell Stadium where FSU plays its home games bears his name and Bowden’s likeness stands in the form of a majestic bronze statue outside the stadium. To say that Florida State has come a long way since 1976 would be a definite understatement.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson