FSU football coaching legend Bobby Bowden dies at 91

Legendary Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden died Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 91.

According to a statement from the family and FSU officials, Bowden was surrounded by his wife, Ann, and all six of their children.

The coaching icon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, and he confirmed through a statement last month he was dealing with a terminal illness.

"I've always tried to serve God's purpose for my life, on and off the field, and I am prepared for what is to come," Bowden said in the statement. "My wife Ann and our family have been life's greatest blessing. I am at peace."

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Bowden was FSU's head coach from 1976 through 2009 and posted a record of 389-129-4 on the field. After breathing new life into a program that had won a combined four games in the three years before his arrival, he led the Seminoles to two national championships -- in 1993 and 1999.

Early Sunday morning, Florida State released the following statements.

He coached two Heisman Trophy winners -- Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke -- and many of the greatest superstars to ever play the game.

Bowden also led the Seminoles to a record 14 consecutive 10-win seasons and Top-5 finishes in the AP Top 25. He claimed 12 ACC championships after FSU joined that conference in the early 1990s.

Before taking over at FSU, the Alabama native led West Virginia to a 42-26 record over six seasons.

Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Warchant.com extends our warmest condolences to the Bowden family.

“Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden. On behalf of everyone at FSU, Jean and I extend our deepest condolences to Ann and the Bowden family. Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with class and a sense of humor. While he leaves an incredible legacy as one of the best football coaches in collegiate history, he also will be remembered for his great faith, his love of family and his mentorship of countless young people. He will be profoundly missed.”

-John Thrasher, President, Florida State University

“Mary and I are saddened by the loss of our beloved Coach Bowden, as are generations of Florida State fans and alumni. He impacted the lives of so many people and leaves a legacy at FSU and in college football that will be remembered forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann and the entire Bowden family.”

-David Coburn, Director of Athletics, Florida State University

“Coach Bowden was one of the greatest coaches ever, but more than that he was an incredible man. He was a special human being who earned an enduring legacy because of his wonderful heart, faith and values he lived. It was the honor of my lifetime to know him and beyond anything I could dream to have a relationship with him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by Coach Bowden and particularly with his wife Ann, their children, grandchildren, former players and coaches. The entire Florida State family is hurting right now at the loss of our program’s patriarch.”

-Mike Norvell, Head Football Coach, Florida State University