As usual, Bobby Bowden watched many of Miami's games this season, only now as a football fan instead of an opposing coach trying to beat the Hurricanes.
The iconic former Florida State coach's assessment: Randy Shannon had the Hurricanes on the right path.
Bowden said he was "surprised" Miami fired Shannon, even though the Hurricanes had just completed a 7-5 regular season.
"I was surprised,"
Bowden said. "I like Randy and I think he's done a great job. I've watched his team some this year and they've kind of been up and down, but I know this -- he's recruited well, and that's the name of the game."
Shannon was 28-22 in his four seasons, without an ACC title or bowl victory.
Shannon thought he would stay as well, pointing to recruiting success, how the program's image has gotten better and the team's academic success -- among the very best in major college football.
"It's a two-headed thing now for coaches,"
Bowden said. "The schools, they want you to do all the right things, the kids not getting in trouble, the kids doing well in the classroom. And Randy was doing those things. But if you don't win enough games, well, I guess that's what matters most."
