West coast pioneer Bill Walsh Dies age 75

[Gazzara]

Pioneering NFL coach Bill Walsh, who guided the San Francisco 49ers to three Super Bowl wins, has died aged 75.

Walsh, who perfected the tactics that became known as the West Coast offence, had been battling against leukemia.

He did not become an NFL head coach until he was 47, but turned the 49ers into a 1980s success story and left an indelible mark on American football.

Walsh's team's won the Super Bowl in 1982, 1985 and 1989, and he was named NFL coach of the year in 1981 and 1984.

Many of his former assistants went on to lead their own teams, handing down his methods and schemes to dozens more coaches.

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.

"For me personally, outside of my dad he was probably the most influential person in my life. I am going to miss him," Montana said in a statement.

Walsh went 102-63 with one tie with the 49ers, winning 10 of his 14 post-season games along with six division titles.

He also helped to establish the World League of American Football - which became NFL Europe - in 1991.

Walsh was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004 and underwent months of treatment and blood transfusions.

He publicly disclosed his illness in November 2006, but appeared at a tribute for Rice two weeks later.

[the watchman]

Sad day for the NFL when that was announced, I'm not a big fan of the 49ers' (you dont say!!) but he was a class guy and was instrumental in some of the innovation of the NFL.

[raiderinkilt]

Important guy for ourselves here in uk , as his 49er team of 80's was  part of the  attraction to American football for so many.
Big loss.

[the watchman]

Important guy for ourselves here in uk , as his 49er team of 80's was  part of the  attraction to American football for so many.
Big loss.

indeed half the kids at school became niner fans, I just had to be different