SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Bill Walsh, the groundbreaking football coach who won three Super Bowls and perfected the ingenious schemes that became known as the West Coast offense during a Hall of Fame career with the San Francisco 49ers, has died. He was 75.
Walsh died early Monday following a long battle with leukemia, according to Stanford University, where he served as coach and athletic director.
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Bill Walsh meant so much to us 49er fans and bay Area folk. Even if you were not 9ers fan, you grew to respect and love him for the person he was on and off the field. He was one of my idols, not just because of his superior coaching style, but for his demeanor with his friends, family and his fans. He always showed great respect and admiration for his opponents. You would never see him bad mouthing anyone, ever. That just wasn't his style. I feel very priviledged to have grown up in his era and got to see him do his magic. He was one of a kind and I will never forget him for as long as I live. His legacy will live on at Stanford and with the 49ers. I am glad to see he is at peace now. God Bless you Bill Walsh!! :(
