Leavitt On Bowden

Posted Oct 13, 2009 by Joey Johnston

Updated Oct 13, 2009 at 10:13 AM

This might not fit neatly into the context of USF-Cincinnati week, but Bulls coach Jim Leavitt had some interesting reflections last week about USF’s 17-7 win at Florida State and his relationship with Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden.

Leavitt, of course, is upset at the Bowden-must-go sentiment in many pockets of Seminole Nation. The defeat against USF jump-started a three-game losing streak and the Seminoles currently stand at 2-4.

“What’s going on up there is ridiculous,’’ Leavitt said. “To me, it’s embarrassing. What he has done for that program is legendary. To me, he should have every right to retire whenever he wants to. That’s my opinion. I know that nobody cares about my opinion about Florida State and all that. ... What the man has done, I’ll never be in a world like that. What he has done is remarkable.’‘

Leavitt said he enjoyed visiting with Bowden at midfield before the game on Sept. 27.

“The first thing I said to Coach Bowden was, ‘Would you like to run some sprints with me?’ And he goes, ‘What?’ ‘’ Leavitt said. “I was just having fun. I told him how much I respected him. He knows that. I appreciated the opportunity to be allowed to play them.’‘

Afterward, Leavitt said Bowden was all class.

“He just said we did a great job,’’ Leavitt said. “Actually, the first thing he said was, ‘Hey, you got that Gatorade bath, huh?’ He’s pretty sharp. I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He said, ‘Ya’ll played pretty well.’

“I didn’t really know what to say other than to just shake his hand. I never want to say much to a coach after a game situation like that because you never know where they’re at. I don’t think that’s respectful. But he treated us well. He really did. I have so much respect for the man.’‘