Watch it: Odell Haggins talks at Bobby Bowden’s 90th Birthday Party
The Seminoles’ interim head coach wished his former head coach a happy 90th birthday at his party at the Tallahassee QB Club earlier this week.
Curt Weiler, Tallahassee Democrat
The estate of legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, including his home and memorabilia, will be sold at auction in March 2026.Bowden and his wife Ann lived in the Killearn Estates home in Tallahassee for over 45 years.The auction will include the 4,600-square-foot home, its contents, and an extensive collection of personal memorabilia.Bidding for the real estate and personal property will be conducted online through the Wiregrass Auction Group.
The 2026 Bobby Bowden Legacy Auction will feature an extraordinary collection of memorabilia from the legendary Florida State coach’s estate, including his Killearn Estates home – and everything in it.
Bowden and his wife Ann purchased the home on Shamrock Drive North in January 1976 after his hire from West Virginia.
Bowden, who guided FSU to two national championships during his remarkable 34-years years at the school and yet still kept his name and number listed in the local phone book, passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.
Ann, meanwhile, celebrated her 93rd birthday this past September. The former FSU matriarch, and mother of six, was surrounded by nearly 50 family members in a home deeply connected to her husband’s memory and the couple’s shared life.
The Bobby Bowden Legacy Auction, managed by Wiregrass Auction Group, of Thomasville, Georgia, is tentatively scheduled for March 2026.
A closer look at the Bowden home in Killearn Estates
Here’s a description of the Bowden home, provided by Wiregrass Auction Group.
“Situated along the fairways of Killearn Club, this exceptional residence offers a rare combination of space, privacy, and timeless design on approximately 0.57± acres with 113 feet of golf course frontage.
“The home features approximately 4,600-plus square feet of well-planned living space, including four bedrooms, four full baths, and one half bath, thoughtfully arranged to support both everyday living and gracious entertaining.
“The main level is anchored by a true primary suite, providing privacy and convenience. Also located on the main level are a powder room and an additional full bath adjoining a dedicated office or study, which features French doors opening to a private exterior patio, adding valuable flexibility for a home office, library, or private retreat.
“Formal living and dining rooms frame the front of the home, offering classic spaces for entertaining. The kitchen overlooks a large, open living area with French doors that open directly to the pool and outdoor living space, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas.
“The upper level includes an en-suite guest bedroom along with additional bedrooms, supported by two full bathrooms, providing excellent separation and privacy for family or visitors.
“Outdoors, the swimming pool and surrounding living area offer a private, tranquil setting, enhanced by mature landscaping intentionally designed to provide seclusion.
“While the current landscaping emphasizes privacy, the property’s position along the Killearn Club offers the opportunity to restore open golf-course views should a future owner desire a more open connection to the course. Located within one of Tallahassee’s most desirable neighborhoods, this property represents an outstanding opportunity to own a substantial golf course home with adaptable living spaces, enduring appeal, and a premier Killearn address.”
Traditional sale versus auction?
According to current estimated real estate values, Bowden’s home ranges from $548,000 to $800,000.
Mark Manley, owner of Wiregrass Auction Group, explained that selling the Bowden home and memorabilia at auction allows for significantly broader exposure than a traditional sale, reaching local, national, and international buyers through a focused marketing campaign.
Manley said the auction method is widely used worldwide for distinctive properties and unique collections, particularly when interest extends well beyond a single market.
By creating a transparent, competitive bidding environment with a defined timeline, auction marketing ensures the broadest possible audience has the opportunity to participate while allowing the market to determine value openly, Manley said.
“When a property or collection is truly distinctive, auction marketing is often the most effective way to reach the widest audience,” Manley said. “This approach is used globally because it creates transparency, competition, and exposure well beyond what a traditional listing can achieve, allowing the market itself to determine value.”
Ginger Bowden Madden, Bowden’s daughter, told the Tallahassee Democrat she hopes the Bowden home will be purchased by someone with a vision that embraces an FSU spirit.
“What an awesome place it would be to hold a high-end FSU fundraiser, or Booster event, an Airbnb for FSU games, or even rent it out for FSU couples to get married in,” she said.
How will bidding work?
The auction will be anchored by two dedicated online landing pages on the Wiregrass Auction Group website www.WiregrassAuctionGroup.com – one for the personal property and memorabilia, and a separate page for the real estate.
Bidding can be done on the Wiregrass Auction Group website or through the Wiregrass Auction Group mobile bidding app, available on the App Store and Google Play, allowing participants to bid from a phone, tablet, or computer.
Jim Henry is sports editor of the Tallahassee Democrat. Email him at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
