TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State hosted its first football media day without Bobby Bowden in 34 years Sunday. The retired, legendary coach was not forgotten.
New Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said Bowden’s values and traditions have been retained even though some day-to-day operations have changed.
Fisher took over when Bowden was nudged into retirement in January. Fisher was the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator for three seasons and had the designation of coach- in-waiting in the final two.
“It’s an advantage to have the knowledge of a man of that character, that stature,” Fisher said. “That was the reason I came to Florida State because I knew I wanted to be a head coach. I didn’t know it would be here.”
The affable and always quotable Bowden amassed 389 victories, second only to Penn State’s Joe Paterno, who’s still coaching with 394.
But Florida State has gone 38-27 over the past five years, including three 7-6 seasons.
Fans will forgive Fisher if his oratory doesn’t quite measure up to Bowden’s if he can return the Seminoles to prominence.
Bowden has taken some of the pressure off Fisher by keeping his distance, allowing the new guy space to do things his way.
“It’s important for the program,” Fisher said. “I heard him say that years ago.”
• Fisher dismissed junior wide receiver Jarmon Fortson for an undisclosed violation of team policy.
Fortson was one of Florida State’s top returning receivers and was expected to be a full-time starter.
He made six starts last year, catching 45 passes for a career high 610 yards and four touchdowns.
Twitter a no-no at Boise State
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Statesman reported that Boise State coach Chris Petersen has banned his players from posting on Twitter for the duration of the season.
Petersen said posting on the social networking site is a distraction the team doesn’t need as the powerhouse Broncos enter the season as heavy favorites to win another Western Athletic Conference title.
The Associated Press
