Former Auburn head football coach Terry Bowden led the Tigers during a different era, contrasting with the long tenures of Pat Dye and Ralph Jordan. His six-year stint was brief by comparison, but he remains appreciative of the experience.
Reflecting on his time at Auburn, Bowden expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the people he worked with.
“I’m thankful Auburn gave me a chance,” Bowden said, per 247 Sports. “I’m grateful for the players, the coaches, and the moments we shared.
“I wish things had ended differently, but when I look back, I have so many great memories. There’s no reason to dwell on anything else.”
Auburn itself has changed significantly over the years. College Street looks different even from the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with towering buildings now lining the area. Magnolia Avenue boasts a Hilton hotel, The Graduate, featuring a high-end rooftop bar with sweeping views of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Samford Hall.
The football program has also evolved. The challenges coaches face today, particularly in the post-Gus Malzahn era, differ from those of previous generations.
For some, these changes wouldn’t seem as drastic if Auburn were consistently winning.
“My kids grew up there, and I miss that as much as I miss Auburn,” Bowden shared. “I hardly recognize it anymore—it’s grown so much. But the memories remain.
“If there’s one time in my life that people use to define me, it’s 1993. That was a special year, and I’ll always be proud of what we accomplished at Auburn.”
