Why Forcing Bobby Bowden Out Won't Work—And Why Promoting Jimbo Fisher Will

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

Wow—it has been a quite a rough patch for Bobby Bowden the past four years.
2006: Watching his son forced out of the OC position.
2007: Having to deal with the cheating scandal of several athletes.
2008: Watching another son become fired from a prestigious program.
Spring 2009: Being told by the NCAA that he will lose 14 wins due to the cheating scandal.
Fall 2009: Beginning his worst season since his first at FSU with a 2-4 record after expectations for the season were high.

During this string of negative developments it has been evident that Bowden has really become more of a figurehead than a coach. He is still a great recruiter, he still coaches and lectures players during practices, and he still makes certain crucial calls during games, but he is no longer the overbearing presence of leadership. So exactly who is?

FSU has four other "head" coaches—Chuck Amato (Executive Head Coach), Mickey Andrews (Associate Head Coach), Jimbo Fisher (Head Coach-in-waiting), and Rick Trickett (Assistant Head Coach).

From what media sources have gleaned, Amato and Andrews have more actual power than the other two, and when dissent has arisen, they win the decision. This is likely attributed to the fact that they have coached with Bowden much longer.

However, the defensive coaches arguing with offensive coaches will terribly hamper this team if it exists, and despite Amato's denial of a recent incident, it likely has been occurring.

The fact that the defensive coaches have more say right now is the major issue, because the defense has not been performing, unlike the offense which is averaging over 400 yards and 30 points per game right now. In a time where their program is under fire, the staff needs to be unified in its approach. 

Many have called for Bowden to retire after the season. Despite the fact that he has not provided much of an asset, and has occasionally looked embarrassingly helpless in recent moments, trying to force him out will do more damage than good presently.

A firing debacle will result in a tarring of both Bowden and FSU's legacy, and a foul taste in fan's mouths for a long time. Shots will be fired at both sides and betrayal will be accused on both parts.

This will only create negative media attention and national perception which will further hamper recruiting and possible staff hirings, as FSU will appear a black hole with no bright future in sight.

Instead, Florida State's administration needs to continue along the path of making Jimbo Fisher head coach by promoting him and giving him more control for the 2010 season. His work with the offense lately has been superb, and he has finally given FSU a solid QB in Christian Ponder.

His recruiting has been stellar—he is largely responsible for the past two year's top-ten recruiting classes. In fact one of the top DEFENSIVE contributors this year, Greg Reid, is freshman recently recruited by Fisher.

Giving Fisher more power will make the transition much smoother for FSU, and will help recruiting as Fisher will strengthen the appearance of FSU's future. If he is in charge than there should be less collision with him and the defensive coaches and decisions should be made with less of a struggle.

Besides strengthening Fisher's position, three other actions must be taken to solidify FSU's coaching future. First, the exit plan for Bowden has to be set in stone. Either Bowden has to retire after this season, declare he will retire after the 2010 season, or some sort of extension has to be worked out with Jimbo Fisher and his contract to become Head Coach if Bowden does not retire. 

Because no one wants to see another debacle if things aren't resolved by the time January 2011 rolls around. That will only result in more embarrassment and lost money for the program.

The second is that FSU must make it a point of emphasis to make sure Rick Trickett stays in Tallahassee. His rebuilding of the FSU offensive line has yield much improvement, and he must be kept if this team is to continue its offensive success.

While Jimbo Fisher will serve as the leader of FSU football, Trickett is the fiery drill sergeant presence that this team needs to keep its discipline. While there is no doubt that Fisher can get in his player's faces, few in the NCAA do it better and to more effect than the former Marine Trickett.

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