Bowden gets raise, boosts annual compensation to $2 million

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Florida State's Bobby Bowden has gotten a raise to $2 million annually, joining Florida's Steve Spurrier and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops as the only college football coaches

Saturday, October 20th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Florida State's Bobby Bowden has gotten a raise to $2 million annually, joining Florida's Steve Spurrier and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops as the only college football coaches to earn at least that much.

Bowden, who could tie Pop Warner as the third-winningest Division I coach all-time if the Seminoles defeat Virginia on Saturday night, agreed to a revised contract Thursday, boosting his annual compensation from $1.6 million.

That money comes from several sources, including the school, speaking engagements, boosters club tours and Nike, the shoe manufacturer.

He has won two national titles in 26 years at FSU, finished in the top five nationally the last 14 seasons and has played in a bowl every year since 1982.

``What Bobby has accomplished is unparalleled in college football,'' FSU athletic director Dave Hart said. ``I don't know if you can put a value of what he's done for the university, and in college football, over 26 years.''

Bowden, 72 and signed through 2004, could not be immediately reached Saturday. He declined comment when asked about the raise Friday by the Tallahassee Democrat.