TALLAHASSEE, FLA. ? Bobby Bowden signed a one-year contract Wednesday to coach a 34th season at Florida State, prolonging his duel with Penn State’s Joe Paterno to see who will retire as college football’s all-time leader in wins.

The school’s announcement said Bowden would be paid just under $2.5 million, the same as last year.

“I am glad to get it signed up for another year like I said I would do after each year,” Bowden said in a statement. “I appreciate the university’s support. We are busy recruiting and looking forward to next season.”

Bowden has said many times in recent weeks that he planned to return.

FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher must replace Bowden by January 2011 or the school will owe him $5 million.

Bowden’s 382 career wins are one fewer than Paterno, the all-time leader among major-college coaches. Paterno, 82, recently signed a three-year extension. Bowden has an option for 2010.

Bowden left West Virginia in 1976 to take over a Florida State program that had won just four games in three previous seasons and was considering dropping its program.

He heads into next season seeking a 33rd straight winning record and the team’s 28th consecutive bowl appearance. Florida State finished 9-4 last year, its best season since 2004.