What Is 2009 North Alabama Lions football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 North Alabama Lions football team represented the University of North Alabama in the NCAA Division II season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Terry Bowden. They competed in the Gulf South Conference and did not qualify for the postseason playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2009 North Alabama Lions finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
Head coach Terry Bowden led the team for the final season before retiring.
They played in the Gulf South Conference (GSC) of NCAA Division II.
The Lions scored 267 points and allowed 240 over 11 games.
Their final game was a 31-28 loss to West Georgia on November 14, 2009.

Overview

The 2009 North Alabama Lions football team represented the University of North Alabama during the 2009 NCAA Division II football season. Competing in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), the Lions were led by head coach Terry Bowden, who was in his final season before retirement. The team played its home games at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama.

This season marked the end of an era, as Bowden stepped down after 11 years at the helm. Despite a winning record, the Lions did not qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs. The 2009 campaign was notable for its competitive performances and transition toward a new coaching era.

Record: The Lions finished the season with a 7-4 overall record, showing consistency but falling short of postseason qualification.
Conference: As members of the Gulf South Conference, they faced strong regional competition from programs like West Georgia and Mississippi College.
Scoring: The team scored 267 total points across 11 games, averaging about 24.3 points per game during the season.
Defense: They allowed 240 points, giving up an average of 21.8 points per game, indicating a relatively balanced performance.
Final Game: Their last game was a 31-28 loss to West Georgia on November 14, 2009, ending the season on a narrow defeat.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division II football includes regular-season play, conference standings, and a national playoff system for top teams. The 2009 North Alabama Lions operated within this framework, aiming for a postseason berth through strong conference performance.

Division II Format: NCAA Division II features a 28-team playoff bracket; only conference champions or at-large bids qualify for postseason play.
Regular Season: The Lions played an 11-game schedule, including eight conference matchups within the Gulf South Conference.
Coaching Transition: Terry Bowden announced his retirement before the season, adding emotional weight and transitional planning to the campaign.
Recruiting Base: UNA draws heavily from Alabama and surrounding states, focusing on regional talent to build competitive rosters.
Stadium Capacity: Braly Municipal Stadium seats over 14,000 fans and is one of the largest on-campus stadiums in Division II.
Playoff Eligibility: With a 7-4 record, the Lions did not earn an at-large bid, as only the top teams with strong rankings qualify.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2009 North Alabama Lions compared to other Gulf South Conference teams and recent seasons:

Team	Record (Overall)	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
North Alabama (2009)	7-4	5-3	267	240
West Georgia (2009)	6-5	5-3	258	247
North Alabama (2008)	11-2	7-1	386	189
North Alabama (2010)	6-5	5-3	232	258
Mississippi College (2009)	8-3	6-2	312	204

The 2009 season was a step down from the dominant 2008 campaign, where the Lions reached the NCAA semifinals with an 11-2 record. While 2009 showed competitiveness, the team lacked the offensive firepower and defensive dominance of previous years. The coaching transition and tougher conference parity contributed to the decline in performance.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season holds significance in the broader context of UNA football history, marking the end of the Terry Bowden era and setting the stage for future rebuilding. It reflects how coaching changes and competitive balance impact team performance at the Division II level.

Legacy of Leadership: Terry Bowden’s retirement ended an 11-year tenure that included three conference titles and multiple playoff appearances.
Program Transition: The 2009 season initiated a shift as the program prepared for new leadership under Mike Singleterry.
Competitive Benchmark: Falling short of the playoffs highlighted the challenges of maintaining elite status in a deep conference.
Regional Rivalries: Games against West Georgia and Mississippi College intensified conference dynamics and fan engagement.
Stadium Tradition: Braly Stadium has hosted the NCAA Division II National Championship game multiple times, elevating UNA’s profile.
Player Development: The season helped develop athletes who would contribute in future seasons despite the coaching change.

While not a championship year, the 2009 North Alabama Lions season remains a pivotal chapter in the program’s evolution, illustrating the cyclical nature of college football success.