Legendary NFL coach passes on to greater glories

PALO ALTO, California: Bill Walsh, who masterminded three Super Bowl championship seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, died on Monday morning aged 75 after a three-year battle with leukemia.

Stanford University confirmed the death of the American football legend, a Hall of Fame coach who revolutionized the sport with his pass-powered "West Coast offense". He died at his home in Woodside with his family at his side.

Walsh had a record of 102-63 with one draw in 10 National Football League seasons with the 49ers and was inducted into the American Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

"His Hall of Fame coaching accomplishments speak for themselves, but the essence of Bill Walsh was that he was an extraordinary teacher. If you gave him a blackboard and a piece of chalk, he would become a whirlwind of wisdom," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.

"He taught all of us not only about football but also about life and how it takes teamwork for any of us to succeed as individuals."

Walsh also worked on improving NFL coaching and executive opportunities for blacks and other ethnic minorities and helped push the league's international growth.

"Bill Walsh was a mentor to me and many others," Goodell said. "He revolutionized the game with his 'West Coast Offense' and will always be remembered as one of the most influential people in NFL history."

Walsh assembled a talented squad that included Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott that won a third Super Bowl crown in 1988 before Walsh departed for a television commentary career.

Taking the foundation Walsh built, George Seifert coached the 49ers to two more Super Bowl triumphs.

"Bill's record speaks for itself. He was the top coach in the NFL during his time in San Francisco," Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown said.

"He brought imagination and ideas to the game. He was a tremendous part of our staff, and we were lucky to have him. He set a mark on the game that is admired by everyone and he will be greatly missed."

Walsh, who coached at Stanford University in 1977 and 1978, returned to the school in 1992 but departed in 1994 after back-to-back losing seasons. He later served the school as an interim athletic director.

In 1999, Walsh returned to the 49ers as general manager for three seasons and served as a special consultant to the club from 2002 through 2004.

"In the recent or modern history of the NFL, no coach has been more influential and innovative than Bill Walsh," Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick said.

"That includes his coaching on the field and his thoughts and action on how franchises can work together to win championships. His influence is especially seen on the offensive side of the ball. We should call what many teams currently run exactly what it is - the 'Walshian Offense.'

AFP

(China Daily 08/01/2007 page20)