by Fitzgerald Cecilio

Tallahassee, FL

For the first time since being forced out in 2009 following a 33-year stint, Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden will attend two Florida State games this fall.

Bowden will be at Doak Campbell Stadium on Oct. 26 when the Seminoles play NC State and on Nov. 16 for the homecoming game against Syracuse, when he will join members of his 1993 national championship team for a celebration of their 20th anniversary.

"I think it's great that coach Bowden is coming back to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the national championship at Florida State," said Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, who recently guided the Seminoles to an Orange Bowl win.

"He's one of the great coaches of all-time as well as a personal friend and mentor to me. He's meant so much to Florida State and me in my career. It's going to be a wonderful time for Florida State and coach Bowden. I could not be happier he'll be back with us," Fisher added.

"What Bobby Bowden means to Florida State University cannot be measured or overstated," school president Eric J. Barron said. "Words like respect, sincerity, class, honesty, charm and humor come to mind, along with his remarkable 33-year stellar record coaching our football team."

Bowden, who coached the Seminoles to two national titles over his 33-year career, ended his career with a 389-129-4 record.

However, their relationship ended on a sour note after Bowden was forced to resign under pressure before coaching his team for the final time -- a 33-21 win in the Gator Bowl over West Virginia in January 2010.

The Seminoles ended that season 7-6, the latest in a string of disappointing seasons that led to his Bowden's departure.

After his departure, Bowden said that he did not want to be too much of a presence around the program in order to allow Fisher to be able to do his job without looking over his shoulder.

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Bobby Bowden to Attend Two Florida State Games