Report: Bowden says he was pushed out

Bobby Bowden told the Associated Press today that he was "pushed out" as head coach at Florida State.

Bowden, who coached at Florida State for 34 seasons, said he was given the option by former Florida State president T.K. Wetherell of returning for a final season as an "ambassador coach." Part of that option included turning over control of the program to coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher.

Bowden ultimately declined and retired. He said his relationship with Wetherell, which had always been good, is beyond repair.

Bowden also told the AP that he doesn't want Florida State to "spread the story that I voluntarily, happily resigned."