USA: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - Former 49ers head coach Bill Walsh dies

Bill Walsh, who lead the San Francisco 49ers to three Super Bowl Championships dies in California. Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh, who led the National Football League franchise to three Super Bowl victories in the 1980s, died on Monday (July 30). Walsh, an innovative Hall-of-Fame coach and creator of the pass-oriented "West Coast" offence, was 75 years old and had suffered from leukaemia. He died at his Woodside, California home with his family by his side, the 49ers statement said. In 10 seasons as the 49ers' head coach, Walsh led the team to victories in Super Bowls XVI, XIX and XXIII, securing the 49ers reputation as a storied NFL franchise. Walsh, a shrewd judge of talent and a brilliant tutor, will be remembered as one of the most influential people in NFL history, said league commissioner Roger Goodell. Under Walsh, the 49ers drafted quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice and safety Ronnie Lott -- all among the greatest players ever to play at their respective positions. "He was always there for me. When I was dropping balls, doing everything, when the media, you guys, you know, trying to crucify him saying why did you draft this small player out of Mississippi Valley State he hung in there with me. He was a father to me," said Jerry Rice, star running back for the San Francisco 49ers. Former quarterback for the 49ers Steve Young also spoke highly of his former coach. "He knew me well before I knew myself and he knew what I could accomplish well before I knew I could accomplish it and that's coach. That's the ultimate talent one could have," he said. Walsh revamped the 49ers after taking charge of the team in 1979, turning the struggling franchise into a powerhouse of the 1980s. Walsh was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. He had an overall record of 102-63-1 with the 49ers and was the NFL Coach of the Year in 1981.

ITN Source | August 1, 2007

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