Ex-Florida State Coach Peterson Dies at 73

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  Bill Peterson, who helped develop some of the nation’s outstanding football coaches while building Florida State into a collegiate power, died Thursday. He was 73.

Among those who served as assistants under Peterson were Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden, New England Patriot Coach Bill Parcells, University of Washington Coach Don James and former NFL coaches Joe Gibbs and Dan Henning.

A native of Empire, Ohio, Peterson guided the Seminoles to a 62-41-11 record and four bowl appearances between 1960 and 1970. He also coached at Rice University and with the Houston Oilers.