Legendary Coach Bobby Bowden to be at Bryant Museum for UA Game Day Book Signing

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Bobby Bowden, long-time head football coach at Florida State University, will be at the Paul W. Bryant Museum on The University of Alabama campus Saturday, Sept. 11, from 2-4 p.m. to sign copies of his recently released book, “Called to Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith and Football.”

Bowden is the second winningest coach in college football history. In his more than 40-year career, he experienced triumphant victories, devastating personal tragedies, and found himself the subject of nationally publicized scandals.

Bowden grew up in Birmingham, was recruited by The University of Alabama, and actually began his college career at UA. Bowden left Alabama after one semester to return home to marry his now wife of 61 years, Ann.

In the book, Bowden writes about his respect for Alabama, crediting Coach Gene Stallings with teaching him about football, and of his undying respect for, and long relationship with, Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

In the new book, Bowden also discusses:

-Intimate details of his journey through college football coaching

-Wins, losses and the battle to become national champions

-Famous rivalries with Miami and Florida

-Striving to be a good husband, father and coach

-Coaching his own sons

-Giving second chances to wayward players

-The tragic loss of his grandson and son-in-law in an automobile accident

-Coaching some of the greatest collegiate athletes of all time

The patriarch of one of college football’s most famous coaching families, Bowden remains heavily involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, annually awarding The National Bobby Bowden Award to a student-athlete for achievement on and off the field, including conduct as a faith model in the community. Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

To give as many people as possible a chance to meet Coach Bowden, and in order to comply with the requirements of his publisher, the following guidelines for the book signing have been established by the University Supply Store:

• Line ticket numbers will be distributed beginning Saturday morning, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. at the Bryant Museum Supply Store location.
• Line ticket numbers will be distributed from 9 a.m-1 p.m. at the Bryant Museum only by University Supply Store staff.

• “Called to Coach” books must be purchased from a University Supply Store location and a receipt must be presented before a line ticket number will be given.
• Line ticket number guarantees a place in signing line only. Line ticket numbers must be presented to enter the signing line. Signing line will form and follow numerical order.
• The signing line is expected to move quickly, so guests should listen carefully for their number to be called. If guests miss their number when it is called, they will be asked to move to the end of the line.
• At the publisher’s request, Coach Bowden will only sign copies of “Called to Coach.”
• Because of the size of the crowd expected, Coach Bowden will not be able to personalize books.
• In order to make sure that everyone has a chance to meet Coach Bowden; guests are invited to take photos while their book is being signed.

• Guests who want additional items signed can go to www.TheBobbyBowden.com to get information on how to have their items signed by Coach Bowden.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the book signing.

For more information, contact Bernadette Chavira-Trull, University Supply Store, bchavira@bama.ua.edu, 205/348-2384.