Florida State University officials have confirmed that there will be an announcement this afternoon – probably in the form of a press release — after head coach (for now) Bobby Bowden meets with the football team, scheduled for 2:15 Tallahassee time.

The school would neither confirm nor deny that the announcement will be Bowden’s retirement but three independent sources are reporting that this is the case based on discussions with “high-ranking” university officials.

All three reports are consistent in saying that yesterday’s discussion between Bowden, university president T.K. Wetherell, and Director of Athletics Randy Spetman focused on Bowden’s role with the team going forward.  The options presented were:

1.  remain as “head coach” while ceding most of the decision authority for the program to Jimbo Fisher, or

2.  step down.

All three sources report that Bowden has elected the latter option and the school will announce his retirement following the 2:15 team meeting.

Additionally, one source reports that a new contract for Jimbo Fisher, reflecting his position as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, was completed last night as well.  No details about the contract are available at this point.

Stay tuned throughout the day for additional information on the retirement of Coach Bowden.

Will keep you posted as I get additional information.

~Smokey Joe

Joe Mayes Florida State, General