Bowden introduced at Akron

Associated Press

AKRON

Terry Bowden believes he is returning to Division I football after a 13 years away not just older but wiser.

The 54-year-old former Auburn coach was introduced Wednesday as the 27th coach at Akron. Bowden’s job is to restore a program with a rich tradition, state-of-the-art stadium, but a woeful record in recent years.

“Hold on to your hats, it’s going to be fun,” said Bowden, who took Auburn to an 11-0 record in 1993 and is 140-62-2 in 18 seasons at four schools overall.

The son of former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden is confident he can turn the Zips into consistent winners though he admits it will be a challenge. He replaces Rob Ianello, fired in November after consecutive 1-11 records the past two years with the Mid-American Conference school.

“The first thing is how are we going to dad-gum win two because we only had one last year,” Bowden said.

Bowden believes the Zips can be a force in the MAC, which sent five schools — Northern Illinois, Ohio, Temple, Toledo and Western Michigan — to bowls this year.

“There is a formula to be successful,” Bowden said. “We will find it, find it in a hurry and compete in the MAC. You have to be a little bold in your presentation and get the players to invest in it. I believe I’m the right guy for the job, but it is not a one-man show.”