A Bowden returns to college football as the head coach.
Terry Bowden, three months before his 65th birthday, was hired by Louisiana-Monroe as the next manager. Terry is the son of Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Bowden.
“Terry was hoping he would try again,” said Bobby Bowden on Wednesday from his home in Killearn Estates. “He has a lot of life and energy in him; He is very excited about it. He’ll do a great job. “
Bowden has spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant at Clemson, where he is pursuing a master’s degree.
His last coaching job was at Akron, where he led the Zips to two bowl appearances and 35 wins from 2012 to 2018. Bowden’s coaching staff included younger brother Jeff Bowden and former FSU assistant coaches Chuck Amato and Todd Stroud, now Miami Associate Head Coach.
Bowden coached Auburn from 1993 to 1998, remaining undefeated, finishing fourth nationally in his first season. He went to school 47-17-1 before retiring in 1998 after starting a 1-5 start.
After working as an analyst for ABC television and embarking on a media career, Bowden returned to coaching in North Alabama, moving to 29-9 from 2009-2011. He is 175-114-2 overall as a college coach, including early stints in Salem and Samford.
Bowden began his coaching career as his father’s assistant at FSU and became the country’s youngest head coach in Salem at the age of 26.
Bowden will now be one of the college’s oldest head coaches.
According to a USA Today survey, around three-quarters of all coaching staff will be under 45 on average in 2020. FSU coach Mike Norvell is 39 years old.
The LSU coaching team, the defending national champion, is on average 55.2 years old, the oldest questioned by a clear margin – next Pittsburgh (50.1 years) and Northwestern (49.9).
Bowden replaces Matt Viator, who was sacked after the Warhawks fell to a program worst 0-10 record.
“I was introduced to ULM after the 2015 season when a contingent flew over to Akron and talked to me about the job,” Bowden said in a school publication. “You’ve sold me very well the potential of this program and the commitment to reverse it.
“Though the timing just wasn’t quite right, I remembered that with my success in places like this and my desire to go back south to a university town like Auburn and Clemson, I felt the perfect place to do it. that I was the best guy they could find to build a winner at ULM, and I still do. “
Bobby Bowden, who turned 91 last month, is improving after battling COVID-19. He continues to walk daily to improve his strength. Bowden expects an inconspicuous Christmas at home after annual family trips to Panama City. He’s also excited to see his son returning to college football.
“He didn’t know if he would get another chance because of his age,” said Bowden. “He was successful everywhere. He feels good and has a lot of energy. I look forward to him.
“Nobody can keep up with their résumé.”
Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
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