Synopsis
Called to Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith, and Football by Bobby Bowden, co-authored with Mark Schlabach, is a memoir that chronicles the life and career of one of college football’s most iconic figures. The book offers an intimate look at Bowden’s 55-year coaching journey, emphasizing his deep Christian faith, personal values, and the experiences that shaped him as a coach, mentor, and patriarch of college football’s most famous coaching family. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, reflections on key moments, and insights into his philosophy, Bowden provides readers with a behind-the-scenes perspective on his legendary tenure, particularly at Florida State University (FSU), where he became a household name.
The narrative begins with Bowden’s early life in Birmingham, Alabama, where his faith took root and his passion for football emerged despite significant health challenges. At age 13, Bowden contracted rheumatic fever, which confined him to bed for nearly a year and led to a heart condition. Unable to play football, he joined the school band but prayed fervently to God, promising to serve Him if he could play or coach. This pivotal moment shaped his lifelong view of coaching as a divine calling, not just a career. The book traces his early coaching stints at smaller schools like South Georgia College and Howard College before his rise to prominence at West Virginia and, ultimately, FSU, where he coached from 1976 to 2009. Bowden’s storytelling, marked by his trademark Southern charm and self-deprecating humor, brings to life the challenges and triumphs of building a football program in an era of shifting cultural and athletic landscapes.
A central theme of the book is Bowden’s integration of faith into his coaching philosophy. He saw his role as more than developing athletes; it was about molding young men into responsible husbands, fathers, and Christians. He was unapologetic about sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, ensuring his players heard it at least once, driven by a concern for their eternal well-being. This conviction influenced his approach to discipline, as he often gave second chances to players who erred, viewing them as young men still developing their character. The book recounts how Bowden’s Christian principles—emphasizing selflessness, teamwork, and integrity—underpinned his success, including leading FSU to over 300 victories, two national championships, and 12 Atlantic Coast Conference titles. His involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he established the National Bobby Bowden Award for student-athletes exemplifying faith and achievement, further underscores his commitment to these values.
The memoir also delves into personal and professional challenges that tested Bowden’s resilience. One of the most poignant sections describes the tragic 2004 car accident that claimed the lives of his grandson and son-in-law, a devastating loss that he navigated through faith. Bowden reflects candidly on his forced retirement from FSU at the end of the 2009 season, a decision that left him bittersweet as he felt he had more to give. He discusses the competitive dynamics of coaching against his sons, Terry and Tommy, in the famed “Bowden Bowl” matchups, highlighting both the pride and tension of those family rivalries. Additionally, Bowden addresses controversies, such as NCAA sanctions that vacated some of his wins, and his decision to prioritize player development over punitive measures, which sometimes drew criticism but aligned with his belief in redemption.
Throughout, the book weaves in Bowden’s reflections on the broader landscape of college football, including his relationships with peers like Joe Paterno and his near-misses with other coaching jobs, such as at Alabama and Marshall. His decision to stay at FSU, despite offers from programs like LSU, is portrayed as a testament to his loyalty and belief in God’s plan. The narrative is enriched by testimonials from figures like Tony Dungy, who wrote the foreword, and former players who attest to Bowden’s lasting impact on their lives. Called to Coach is not just a recounting of wins and losses but a testament to a man who saw football as a platform for ministry, leaving a legacy of faith, integrity, and inspiration that transcended the sport.