Former Auburn head football coach Terry Bowden led the Tigers at a different time than currently.
His six-year tenure was brief in comparison to Pat Dye and Ralph Jordan’s lengthy reigns on the Plains.
Bowden was grateful for the memories, but it was particularly interesting to hear him discuss the changes that had occurred in the Loveliest Village over the years.
“I’m thankful for Auburn giving me a chance,” Bowden said, per 247 Sports. “I’m thankful for the players, the coaches and the moments we shared together.
“I wish things had ended differently. But when I look back, I have so many great memories. There’s no point in focusing on anything else.
“My kids grew up there, and I miss that as much as I miss Auburn. I don’t even recognize Auburn anymore. It’s grown so much. But the memories will always be there.
“If there was ever a time in my life that people use to define me, it was 1993. That was a special year, and I’ll always be proud of what we accomplished at Auburn.”
College Street differs from even the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Massive buildings overlook the campus. Magnolia currently boasts a Hilton hotel, The Graduate, which has a spectacular rooftop bar and offers a view of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Samford Hall from one of the city’s highest points.
Auburn is also a different program. Coaches in the post-Gus Malzahn era face various levels of scandals compared to their predecessors.
If the Tigers reverted to winning ways, the modifications would be less divisive and, for some, irritating.
