Overview
- Iowa State and Washington State confirmed Walden's death and reported he died on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at age 88, and his wife said he had been hospitalized for breathing trouble and died of acute respiratory failure.
- Walden began as a quarterback at Wyoming, played three seasons in the CFL, worked as an assistant at Nebraska under Bob Devaney, and then became Washington State's head coach where he led the Cougars to the 1981 Holiday Bowl and won Pac-10 Coach of the Year twice.
- He coached Iowa State from 1987 to 1994 and compiled a 28-57-3 record while managing severe scholarship reductions that limited his roster size and resources.
- Walden's tenure at Iowa State produced a surprise 6-5 season with roughly 50 scholarship players in 1989 and landmark upsets including a 33-31 road win at No. 16 Oklahoma in 1990 and a 19-10 home victory over No. 7 Nebraska in 1992.
- He is survived by his wife Nancy, five children and nine grandchildren, a memorial is likely in August, and former players and athletic officials praised his steady leadership and long influence on both schools and on college football broadcasting.