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Legendary coach Bowden says he was 'pushed out' of FSU

NEW YORK -- Bobby Bowden tells the Associated Press he was "pushed out" after 34 years as Florida State coach and that his relationship with former university president T.K. Wetherell is likely beyond repair.

Bowden coached for 34 years at Florida State and says he had always had a good relationship with Wetherell.

But Bowden also said in an interview with the AP on Tuesday that Wetherell offered him the option of returning for one more season as "ambassador coach," giving control of the program to successor Jimbo Fisher.

Bowden declined and instead retired.

Bowden says now he doesn't want Florida State to "spread the story that I voluntarily, happily resigned."

He said of Wetherell: "I doubt I'll have a relationship with T.K. anymore."

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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