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Many come out in support of Florida State's Bobby Bowden

TALLAHASSEE -- After a trying week, which began with the chairman of the university's Board of Trustees calling for his ouster, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden received several symbols of support Saturday.

First, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist , who earned his undergraduate degree at Florida State, issued a statement to the media, saying he wanted to wish Bowden and the Seminoles ``the best of luck'' against Georgia Tech.

``I wish all the best for coach Bobby Bowden -- one of the greatest coaches of all time,'' Crist said.

Legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, 80, to retire

Bobby Bowden, an iconic figure who managed to maintain his down-home Southern charm while constructing one of the nation's most feared college football programs, will step down after the 2009 season.

The Hall of Fame head coach, who announced his departure to stunned Florida State players Tuesday afternoon, will leave the university with two national titles, a slew of conference and bowl championships and recognition as the second-winningest coach in major-college football history, behind Penn State's Joe Paterno.

``It's been a great 34 seasons,'' Bowden said of his FSU tenure. ``Nothing lasts forever, does it? But I've had some wonderful years here at Florida State. Hadn't done as good lately as I wish I could have, but I've had wonderful years. No regrets.''

Florida State's Bobby Bowden to announce decision on Tuesday

Though Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden said he won't announce his future plans until Tuesday at the earliest, several media outlets reported Monday night that Bowden will retire after this, his 34th season with the Seminoles.

Citing unnamed sources, the Tallahassee Democrat said it was unclear whether Bowden would stay on to coach FSU in a bowl game but that ``head-coach-in-waiting'' Jimbo Fisher would soon take the reins.

Bowden, who confirmed Sunday that he wanted to return in 2010, met early Monday with FSU president T.K. Wetherell and athletic director Randy Spetman. Bowden and Spetman declined to discuss specifics of the meeting, but the Hall of Fame coach said he was offered some ``options.''

Florida State Seminoles offense is the team's bright spot

In his heyday, Bobby Bowden was considered among the most imaginative play-callers in college football. He has coached two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks and a slew of All-America linemen, runners and receivers.

To put it plainly, the man knows good offense.

And though he can't be pleased with Florida State's overall 5-5 record, Bowden loves what he is seeing in Jimbo Fisher's third season as the Seminoles' offensive coordinator.

Gator Bowl matchup is as much about saluting Bobby Bowden as who wins

It's only fitting that after 56 years of coaching, a football game is expected to break out during Bobby Bowden's retirement party.

After weeks of farewell hugs, handshakes and even a parade appearance, the legendary Florida State coach will oversee his final game Friday afternoon. It will come against West Virginia in the Gator Bowl.

But with all the hoopla surrounding the event -- Bowden was grand marshal of the Gator Bowl Parade on Thursday and will be escorted to the stadium Friday by hundreds of his former players -- even Bowden knows that the game itself has become somewhat of an afterthought.