R.I.P. Bill Walsh

[Bobblehead]

His teams of the 80s are the reason I am an 49ers fan today.

This is a sad, sad day.

Bill Walsh, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, died Monday following a battle with leukemia, a source told KCRA 3.Walsh died at about 11 a.m. at home, officials said.

link

[habernac]

wow, that sucks. I didn't know he was even ill. RIP, Bill.

[ricoFlame]

what? oh no, that's awful. RIP.

[Saint Troy]

As a Saints fan from the NFC west days, and ardent 49er hater, Walsh was a genius, RIP.

[transplant99]

One of the best to ever patrol the sidelines. I hate the 49ers and always have, but this guy just demanded and earned respect.

He is responsible for much of the type of game we see today...his stamp on football to last forever.

4 current head coaches started as his assistant.

3 Super Bowls

Coach of the year.

Hall of famer.

Did it all and did it with class and ability rarely seen.

[FanIn80]

Wow. I had no idea he was even ill...

Edit: Here's the TSN clicky.

[burn_baby_burn]

I was surprised by this news as well. I didn't realize he was 75 years old either. But I guess if you coached in the AFL your not a spring chicken anymore. I saw some film recently of Kenny Anderson with the Bengals back in the 70's (the team that Walsh was the offensive corordinator for, and where the West Coast Offense was developed) very impressive. His contributions to the league will be around for decades to come. RIP Bill.