Home / Sports / WSU Coaching Legend Jim Walden Dies at 88
WSU Coaching Legend Jim Walden Dies at 88
4 Jul
Summary
- Jim Walden, who led WSU to its first bowl in 50 years, has died.
- Walden coached the Cougars from 1978-1986, earning Pac-12 Coach of the Year twice.
- He later coached Iowa State and served as a beloved broadcast analyst.
Jim Walden, a distinguished figure in college football history, has passed away at the age of 88. Walden is prominently remembered for guiding the Washington State Cougars to their first bowl game in half a century in 1981, a landmark achievement for the program. During his tenure from 1978 to 1986, he compiled a 44-52-4 overall record and was recognized as the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in both 1981 and 1983. His leadership brought the Cougars to the 1981 Holiday Bowl, a significant postseason appearance.
Walden's coaching career extended beyond Washington State as he took on the head coaching position at Iowa State. There, he faced challenges including scholarship reductions, finishing with a 28-57-3 record over eight seasons. After retiring from coaching in 1994, Walden returned to the Palouse region, where he served as a popular broadcast sidekick for 11 seasons, earning affection from fans for his commentary.
Before his coaching success, Walden was an accomplished player, an All-American quarterback at Wyoming, and was drafted by NFL and AFL teams. He began his coaching career in Mississippi and later joined the staff at Nebraska, contributing to national championship teams. He also had stints at Miami before becoming WSU's head coach, shaping the careers of notable players like Jack Thompson and Mark Rypien. Walden's colorful personality and strategic acumen left a lasting legacy.
