League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Jim Walden, former WSU football coach, passes away at 88

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 2:02 AM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

Football

Summary

Jim Walden, who served as head football coach at Washington State University from 1978 to 1986, died on Thursday at age 88. Known for his homespun humor and commitment to his players, Walden led the Cougars to their first postseason bowl in 51 years during the 1981 Holiday Bowl. He was the fourth head coach in four seasons at WSU, and his tenure came during a challenging era for the program. Colleagues and former players have expressed their sorrow and tribute to his impactful presence in their lives and the broader community. His coaching philosophy emphasized humor, discipline, and thorough engagement in the lives of his players.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Walden coached WSU from 1978 to 1986.
•He ended a 51-year postseason drought with the 1981 Holiday Bowl.
•Renowned for his humor and close connection with players.
•Walden was the fourth head coach in four years at WSU.
•His passing prompted tributes from former players and colleagues.

Latest Updates

2:02 AMYahoo Sports — A man of many words, Jim Walden delivered on promises -- and then some -- during golden age of WSU football | Dave Boling

What they're saying

"
Jul. 3—Please pardon the sentimentality of this column, written, as it was, while my laptop gently weeps. Jim Walden died on Thursday at age 88. He was head football coach at Washington State University (1978-86). The sense of loss is made keener by the simple truth that they're not making coaches like Walden anymore. He was the perfect coach at a time of great need in Pullman. The fourth head ...
— Yahoo Sports

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