What if?

Another view on Bowden's story about Alabama Dothan Eagle

In the Dec. 16 column published in this space, I explored the possible conversations various coaches may have had with Rich Rodriguez, the former candidate for the vacant University of Alabama coach position. I cited an occasion I had with Florida State’s Bobby Bowden several years ago in which
Bowden incorrectly assumed he was about to be offered the post when Bill Curry was eventually hired back in 1986.

Bowden might have changed the Tide of history Orlando Sentinel
By Andrew Carter Sentinel Staff Writer
September 25, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Here they are, telling stories, Bobby Bowden's old friends. Laughter muffles words. This is where Bowden grew up, and the guys he grew up with, all gray hair and memories, are carrying on like they're a half-century younger. Remember the time ol' Bobby came home 15 minutes past 10, and Ann, his new bride, locked him out 'cause he was later than he said he'd be? Or the one time they ever heard him utter a four-letter word? Or how 'bout this: Remember when Bowden's Florida State team beat Indiana in the 1986 All-American Bowl here in Birmingham?

What might have been Tommy Deas, Tuscaloosa News

Imagine if Paul W. “Bear” Bryant wasn’t the only all-time winningest coach to ever walk the sidelines at the University of Alabama.Imagine if Bill Curry never wore crimson, if Gene Stallings wasn’t around to coach Alabama to the 1992 national championship, if the Crimson Tide had never endured the Mike DuBose and Mike Price scandals, if Dennis Franchione had never bolted for Texas A&M, if crippling NCAA sanctions had never been levied.Imagine no Mike Shula and, yes, even no Nick Saban.Imagine if Alabama had hired Bobby Bowden.It almost happened.