Bobby Bowden had the crowd rolling with laughter Monday at the Knoxville Quarterback Club's weekly luncheon.
The former Florida State football coach told one funny one-liner after another, and several times during the 45-minute speech gave a ringing endorsement of first-year Tennessee coach Derek Dooley.
"I think Derek's going to do a heck of a job," were Bowden's last words to the cheering crowd.
Some of his other comments about Dooley and the task at UT were tempered by words heard all too often.
"It don't happen overnight," Bowden said at one point.
And not much later: "Tennessee's got some catching up to do."
But according to Bowden, UT got the right man when it hired Dooley to replace Lane Kiffin, who left last January for the coaching job at Southern California.
Bowden poked some fun at Kiffin - without naming him - while giving several reasons Dooley should succeed at UT: the facilities, the university, and the tradition.
"I guarantee you, I wish I could recruit to Tennessee," Bowden said. "I'd love that, and I think Derek's going to do a good job because here's what I like about Derek, folks: He is sound and solid. You all don't need a flashy coach."
The crowd laughed and cheered.
"Did I hit a nerve or something?" Bowden replied.
Bowden said one of the biggest reasons he has confidence Dooley will succeed is because he was raised well by his parents, Vince and Barbara Dooley, and Vince Dooley (former Georgia coach) was one of college football's best.
"That's why (Derek will) succeed," Bowden said. "Percentage is on your side. Give him time. Recruit hard."
Bowden, who resigned from Florida State after his 2009 team went 7-6, took a jab at his former school during the speech. Bowden was the 1992 recipient of the Neyland Trophy awarded annually by the Knoxville Quarterback Club in honor of legendary UT coach Gen. Robert Neyland.
"That thing sat on my desk in front of me," Bowden said. "I had two trophies. I had Coach (Frank) Leahy from Notre Dame and I had Bob Neyland sitting right there, man, until they took my desk away. Now it's at the house. Anyway, I'm very proud of that and proud to be here."
There was also a lighthearted jab at Penn State coach Joe Paterno, a reference that started with Bowden saying Derek Dooley would put fundamentally sound teams on the field like Vince Dooley did. Before he resigned, Bowden was vying with Paterno to become college football's winningest coach.
"You play some teams that are really sound, you've got to beat them," Bowden said. "That's hard to do. Joe Peterno's that way. I can't stand him."
More laughter from the crowd.
"I'm kidding about that," Bowden said. "Joe and I are real close. Anyway, I think Derek will be real sound. That's usually the way it goes."
Bowden joked about his early days at Florida State when he couldn't give away complimentary tickets - perhaps in comparison with UT's down ticket sales. Bowden said he once put two leftover tickets on his windshield, trying to give them away while getting a haircut.
"I get a haircut and come back in an hour, and there's six tickets on my window," Bowden said. "You think you've got it bad."
Dave Link is a freelance contributor.
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Comments » 64
JenB (Inactive) writes:
Ditto! Granted, We are FSU fans first... then UT!! But they arent in same div so its all good!
thevoice writes:
Bobby B. What a class act and a heck of a human being.
thevoice writes:
Oops, sorry about that agent
chrisw2967 writes:
Bobby B is a classic,win or lose he was always funny during his interview.
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
I always loved Bowden. He was one of the classier coaches. But what I loved about him most of all was when we beat him for the first BCS championship in 1998. lol.
CoverOrange writes:
That's not the words that were being typed on here a few years ago when Brandon Warren was trying to transfer.
NTNSTY writes:
I see a lot of Bobby B in Derek D - in the humor dept I mean.
awh writes:
Coach Bowden, a classy guy.
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
Someone blogged yesterday that we are not Bowl eligible because UT Martin was not a FBS team. I did some research, and this is what I came up with.
To become officially “bowl eligible” teams must achieve, at minimum, a 6-6 (.500) mark on the season. Additionally, this win total CAN include one win over an FCS (formerly Division IAA) team that meets certain scholarship requirements over a two-year period.
So if we win outright, we can still be bowl eligible. It may the PIGLET BACON BOWL, but it would be something for the kids to build on for next year!
GO VOLS!!!!!!!
TennVol01 writes:
My only concern is that in real life, the mean, rude, back stabbing, and self centered people tend to rule over nice polite people. In most of my jobs it seems that all the a**holes mob together and run the place....usually into the ground. I hope Mr. Nice Dooley can overcome this obstacle. There are a lot of rude and corrupt fans and reporters that will stab him in the back every chance they get. If they can get to Bruce Pearl and make him cheat...they can get to anyone.
Fulton_Vol writes:
I've always respected Coach Bowden because no coach wins that many games without being something special. I tended to pull for Joe Patarno to win their battle for most victories until I watched the movie, "We Are Marshall". Until that movie I did not know what a vital role Coach Bowden had played in helping Marshall return to playing football in the fall of 1971. You need to know that Marshall's plane crash is forever ingrained in my soul because I grew up in the Baby Falcons football organization and the weekend of the crash, Nov 14, 1970, we were hosting teams from Huntington, West Virginia. Each player or cheerleader hosted someone from Huntington. The boy, Steve Morehouse, who stayed with us that weekend lost his father in the crash. Steve's father, Gene, was Marshall's Sports Information Director and the radio broadcaster for the Herd's basketball and football teams.
Watching "We Are Marshal" increased my respect for Coach Bowden tenfold. It's one thing to play fair and be a good coach, it is so much more to help your arch rivals heal their wounds and return to playing football. Whether Bobby Bowden retired with or without the most victories he has surely won at being a good man. He showed his true metal when the new Marshall staff sought out help to return to the gridiron and he came through.
Twelve days from now will mark the 40th anniversary of the Marshall crash.
Fulton_Vol writes:
BIGGESTBPBREBORN writes:
what about Memphis, do they count??
Memphis is a member of Conference USA which is a member of the BCS, so yes they count. The only non-BCS team UT played is UAB.
orangecountyvols writes:
Bobby was a good coach and FSU was tough to beat during his years.
I guess I'll always remember the jabs at his teams with "wide right" and his favorite cursing words,
"dad gum it."
jkcole18 writes:
YOUR HIRED BOBBY YOU CAN START RECRUTING FOR US TODAY...... WELCOME ABOARD
SavTnVol writes:
I kinda think this was a jab at Memphis High dude......also, after reading your post, I didn't know that UTM was a BCS school..But also, isn't UAB a member of Conference USA the same as Memphis?
cloudodust writes:
Boss Bowden would love to recruit to Tennessee..? Put him on the payroll, Hammy...
Volchief writes:
The person that blogged that needs to do some homework before they start posting nonsense like that. Why would we, or anyone for that matter, play a team on the schedule that wouldn't have an affect on the record? It doesn't make any sense. UT Martin was what we call a "money game." They get a lot of money to come to our house & we get a win to boost our record. That is unless you're Michigan a few years back, who paid App State a lot of money to come to their "big house" & then get beat. Oh, & Ole Miss this year with Jacksonville St. That's when it backfires. In any case, all games on the schedule "count". Otherwise, why would we play them?
And, yes you're right, going to a bowl would help tremendously. It would give us an extra month of practice, which this team could use.
Go Vols
brush#220070 writes:
Excellent Coach & Class Act
I'll never forget the full page ad he put in KNS after we got em in 1998 congratulating the Vols
Volchief writes:
Yes, they are in Conference USA, which is FBS. I know you're joking(but some on this site are obviously confused), but as I said before, all the games count in regard to our record.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Coach Bowden is as good as it gets. Period. He likes us, so we got that going for us....
CollegeParkVol writes:
I did the same research my friend, and am with you 100%. Win out, go 6-6 and I don't care what bowl it is - Liberty Bowl, Music City Bowl, I'll gladly take any of them.
Go Vols!
illinoisvolfan writes:
Dadgumit, I bet he didn't know that...
Actually, "heck" by itself is OK. The phrase "working like heck" should probably be banned throughout the state.
OrangePride writes:
Great coach and a classic human being. He and Frank Beemer are two of my favorite coaches in the game. And don't we ALL wish ole CBB was here helping us recruit kids to Tennessee!
Hounddog writes:
I'm sorry your highness but there is a higher authority on this website. It the Witch Doctor and perhaps you are not aware of his spell regarding POSITIVE COMMENTS ONLY ZONE!
So, go somewhere else to spread your toxins before many bad things start to happen to your life...such as food may one day star tasting good to you. Hounddog
NashvillePreds writes:
0-5 in the SEC and a recruiting class ranked behind every league team but Vandy and UK.
Forgive me if I don't hop right on the bandwagon.
huntined#565710 writes:
Good Coach and a GREAT MAN!! Got to love him because he stays grounded in his faith and his family.. FSU should have let him stay that last year he wanted as he did a lot for that program..
OrangePride writes:
Ahhh......now there's the KingFulmer we know...full of venom and hate. I read your posts and wonder just how long it will take for you to rid your system of all this animosity. Paid or not paid, CBB is a real gentleman and a positive thinking guy. You might just want to take some lessons from him because it would make your life a lot happier. Would someone please pass the Koolaide now, I seem to have drunk this last glass. GO VOLS! GO COACH DOOLEY!!
BrassMonkey writes:
We will be in need of a new head coach next year at this time. Better go ahead and get in BB's preliminary interview.
usnavyvol writes:
You and so many have missed it. If you are a die hard true UT fan, there is no bandwagon to jump on. Your've already got your seat. Good times bad times. It's esy to support and be a fan when your team is winning, you show true colors when your teams is losing and having a down time and you still wear the colors. It's about the players and the university not the coaches.
RichmondKyVol writes:
Didn't we have a Bowden at Tennessee once?
(I'm adding LOL for people who don't understand satire.)
vol88 writes:
Tennessee does not need or want bandwagon fans. That's pretty much UF's thing.
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
With an attitude like that, your spouse and children better pray for good health.
drvol writes:
Further research will lead you to find that if a team has two wins against FCS schools, only one will count toward bowl eligibility (example: UConn this year). But since UT-Martin is the only FCS school we play, win out and get a bowl is the scenario for the Vols. Here's to hoping! Go Vols!
Bellem13 writes:
Coach BB is and was always one of my favorite people, not just a coach, but a good man.
However, I'm a TRUE UT VOL forever. Through the good and bad I'll be there! Always have been.
I have a FSU team jacket, a hat and a shirt, proud of them.
NashvillePreds writes:
Hah. You're right. We should all tow the company line. The reason I am not a real fan is b/c I'm paying $50 to see our listless team in Memphis this weekend, right?
I appreciate your badgering, and your lack of linear thought. We have a poor team. The team is currently not gaining ground on SEC competition. But all is well. Koolaid anyone?
NashvillePreds writes:
Honestly have no comprehension on what you are trying to say here.
If you have somehow gained some since of personal validation from the comment, more power to you.
gnm53108 writes:
So you follow the VOLS and show your support by pointing out their shortcomings?
Sounds like you also work for kns.
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Your lack of understanding is not surprising.
It's really simple. You obviously have no sense of loyalty, unless the times are good.
From your posts, it's easy to surmise that you will bail in a heart-beat when someone is in trouble and really needs support.
Fair-weather fan.
Comprehend that?
tnsportsman writes:
I'm hoping and betting on 6 & 6 for OUR VOLS as well CollegeParkVol.
On the Sports Council here in Nashville and the Music City Bowl would take Tennessee in a heart beat if OUR VOLS qualify! Guarantee BIG ORANGE SELL OUT in Music City! (unlike the vaaaanderbilt tee-sippers a few years ago, LOL)
Got to win these 4 games and PROTECT THE DAMN BALL!
Bobby Bowden for Footabll Consultant at UT!
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT!
bradvolsfan30 writes:
The people who are whining about our recruiting rankings, do you realize the needs UT has this year? They are not the "Big Sexy" 5 star rated players, right? It's O-line and D-line mainly and defensive backs and line backers. Except the occasional Eric Berry's, Charles Woodson's (yes that one hurt to type) you get your huge stars out of the WR, RB, QB, we have a QB recruit coming. Plus, players are waiting and evaluating their potential playing time, state of coaching staff's and what players from other programs are leaving. If the NFL does a labor lockout, look for UT to have a flood of talent coming in late because of the excellent chance of playing time. If you can't see progress on the field because you only want to see wins and losses as the barometer of progress then yes there is little progress in that regard. However, have any of you played on a team or studied a subject in school that you just couldn't get or win but kept fighting until the end or until you won. Success doesn't happen overnight,I wish it did but that's not how things work. I watch and see a team that fights and has it's mistakes that hurt to see every week, but these guys are hanging around with lack of depth, lack of talent across the field and lack of stability from 3 coaches in as many years. It's the same thing being said week to week and you armchair coaches who know how to evaluate talent and can guess what these 3,4 and 5 star players will do or are capable of doing, and you wanted Brandon Stewart instead of some kid named Peyton Manning? Also, to the "fans" who thought Tee Martin wasn't going to do much think back to that brilliant call. Yeaaaa, that's what I thought.
cloudodust writes:
Behold : The retort of a semi-educated sanctimonious troll. A rare breed, indeed..! Very rare. Careful with these types. Their elevators don't stop on all floors.
NashvillePreds writes:
Hah. I think I struck a nerve. In your diatribe you failed to fully explain your previous comment. I do appreciate your analysis of my posts, and the conclusions you have drawn. You must be a scientist. A hypothesis followed by testing, and conclusion. I am sure your parents are proud. In truth, you are a frustrated fan, the same as I.
The difference is, I see the world as it is. You see it as how you wish it to be. Much like an ostrich, bury your head, and hope everything will be okay.
To steal your line, which you originally stole from me.
Comprehend that?
jobrando#216494 writes:
I'll take 3 star linemen all day long and it's exactly what the staff is getting.
ellerbee123 writes:
Yes, we DID NOT get in the position we are in now overnight. Nor did we get here due to Lane Kiffin. Let's see, of course, we can all thank Phillip Fulmer for his lack of recruiting, lack of recruiting, lack of recruiting, complacency, feeling of job security, and, just plain laziness. Fired Randy Sanders to save his fat a--; hired Cutcliff to save his fat a--; after Cutcliff left, that was it for Fulmer. I just can't stand what this man has done to the University of Tennessee......................BUT, in spite of him, we will be back... It will just take awhile....
SIMSVOL writes:
It's a great day. Tennessee has a great coach who will have the VOLS back on top over the course of the next few seasons. And Obama and the libs will have a clear mandate from the American majority by tonight - the equivalent of Janzen Jackson taking out the prez's arrogant agenda! Go VOLS!
SIMSVOL writes:
It's folks like NAshvillePreds who can't see the forest for the trees - either they're completely ignorant (in the majority of cases), they're stuck in the past, or they refuse to see the progress being made each week with one of the youngest teams in college football. Don't worry - you can jump on the band wagon Nashville Preds in a couple of years when there are more Xs in the win column. Go VOLS!!!
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
It was time for coach Fulmer to go.
He is gone.
Now show some class and stop bashing him.
AncientVolFan writes:
I never liked Lane Kiffen and was happy with Mr. Dooley when chosen. But I do wish he would quit knocking the team. It's we, not them in public, in private maybe different, but not in public. Otherwise I'm happy with Derek.
NashvillePreds writes:
So, I'll see you in Memphis this weekend?
Also, I fail to understand how I can't see the forest for the trees.
Here is my complaint, and until proven incorrect, I stand by by assertions:
1.) Kiffin turned into a disaster, as he left not only after one year, but at the worst possible time for recruiting.
2.) Dooley was hired after Hamilton flew, literally, all over the country offering the job to whomever would listen.
3.) Hamilton struck out, as the coaches whom the University of Tennessee should really be interested in, told him no. (i.e. Utah Coach, Boise State, TCU, Muschamp, etc, etc, etc)
4.) Instead of naming an interim coach, Hamilton panicked, offered Dooley a contract, and here we are.
5.) There was a glimmer of hope, in my eyes, when Dooley kept the class together in spring of '10.
I believe we are kidding ourselves if we think Dooley is going to win an SEC, much less, a National Title.
I want to rip the band-aid off quickly, and find a permanent replacement.
All this is my opinion. That being said, it is becoming increasingly annoying to live in Nashville, and know our football program is much more correlated to VU, than even Uga.
Also, I will say it is coincidential this argument arises on election day.
If nothing else, this day should illustrate the case of differing opinions, which can unite for the common good.
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
It you are in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis this weekend then yes, you will see me in Memphis this weekend. I will be attending the game as well as the tail-gate party at CBU prior to the game.
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