Jim Walden, Influential Washington State Coach and Broadcaster, Dies at 88

Overview

• News of Walden’s death prompted tributes from Washington State, Iowa State, former players and fans as outlets collected memories and assessments of his life in coaching and radio.
• Walden led WSU from 1978 to 1986, compiled a 44-52-4 record, won Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors in 1981 and 1983, and guided the Cougars to the 1981 Holiday Bowl—the program’s first bowl appearance in more than five decades.
• He pledged to ‘fulfill my contract’ when hired and is credited with ending rapid coaching turnover at WSU and using his influence to move Apple Cup home games back to Pullman.
• Former players and staff recall Walden’s hands-on mentorship and private acts of support, and several of his pupils went on to notable NFL careers including Jack Thompson, Mark Rypien, Keith Millard and Rueben Mayes.
• After leaving WSU for Iowa State, Walden later became a long-time WSU radio color commentator, was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame in 2009, and a memorial event for him has been reported as likely this August.