A new job in Tallahasee, Fla. is right up Kansas University bowling coach Mike Fine’s alley.

Fine, a Lawrence native who has coached KU’s bowling team and managed the Jaybowl for 19 years, will take over Florida State’s bowling program after the spring semester.

“They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Fine said. “It was a unique opportunity. My wife and I had previously talked about retiring in Florida.”

Fine coached the KU mens’ team to the Intercollegiate Bowling Championship in 2004.

Jim Waite, director of programs for the Kansas Union, said Fine would be difficult to replace.

“I consider him to be like three people — a coach, a manager and a mechanic,” Waite said.

At Florida State, bowling also is a club sport, but Fine will have a full-time assistant coach as well as someone to run the school’s bowling facility. At KU, Fine does not have an aide and is in charge of the Jaybowl.

Fine says he is optimistic about the future of KU bowling.

“I’m confident we will get someone good in this position and continue what we’ve tried to get going,” Fine said.