BOWDEN, FSU CLOSING IN ON NEW DEAL

Florida State and head coach Bobby Bowden have reached an agreement in principle on a one-year contract, the Orlando Sentinel is reporting.According to athletic director Randy Spetman, the two sides are “very close” to finalizing the deal, but still have some financial details to work through before completing the pact.Bowden’s previous contract expired on January 4, but the coach had previously stated on numerous occasions that he would return for at least one more season.At most, Bowden -- who began in Tallahassee in 1976 -- will likely only coach for two more seasons, including this year. Seminole offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has been named as Bowden’s successor, and, per his contract, would receive a $5 million payment if he is not named FSU’s head coach by January of 2011.