How Jimbo Fisher’s Self-Inflicted Wounds Impact His Legacy Compared to Bobby Bowden

Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher both left Florida State under controversial circumstances, but the forgiveness they received from Seminole fans differed vastly. While Bowden’s decline in the 2000s has largely been forgiven, the same cannot be said for Fisher’s exit from the program. After Texas A&M fired Fisher, there has been talk of letting go of the animosity towards his departure from Florida State. There are even rumors that Fisher should attend the 2013 national championship team reunion this Saturday.

Bobby Bowden’s reign in Tallahassee ended under less-than-ideal circumstances, with the decline of the once-dominant Seminole program. His son, Jeff Bowden, was promoted to offensive coordinator, leading to criticism and accusations of nepotism. The decline continued, resulting in a lackluster performance on the field, which eventually led to Jimbo Fisher’s arrival in Tallahassee.

During Fisher’s time as head coach, there was a feeling of tension within the program, stemming from Bobby Bowden’s retirement, losses against lesser competition, and the team’s subsequent decline. This culminated in a disastrous final year as head coach, with high-profile losses and public controversies leading to his resignation.

In contrast, Bowden’s legacy at FSU is celebrated for building and maintaining a long-standing culture of excellence within the football program. He is credited with making FSU feel special and turning down his dream job at Alabama when offered the position in 1990. On the other hand, Fisher’s constant links to high-profile job openings and public criticism of FSU’s facilities and administration led to strained relations with fans.

Despite Fisher’s impressive accomplishments, including a national championship, there is a lingering sentiment that his successes came at the cost of prolonged dysfunction within the program. Ultimately, Bowden’s lasting impact and unwavering commitment to FSU football earned him forgiveness, while Fisher’s tenure as head coach left a more complex and contentious legacy.

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