Tributes are rolling in after the death of Jim Walden, the longtime college football coach and broadcaster who died at 88.
Washington State and Iowa State both confirmed Walden’s passing. Walden spent a combined 17 seasons leading those two programs before later moving into radio, where he worked as an announcer for 11 seasons.
WSU said, “WSU is saddened to hear the passing of Cougar Hall of Fame coach Jim Walden, our thoughts are with his family, friends, his former players and all Coug fans,”
Iowa State also honored him, saying: “Former Iowa State head football coach Jim Walden, who led the Cyclones from 1987-94, passed away on Thursday. He was 88 years old. Walden directed Iowa State to a 28-57-3 overall record during his tenure, but his penchant to come up with big upset highlighted his time in Ames.”
At Washington State, Walden went 44-52-4 in 10 seasons, a total that still ranks fourth in program history for wins. His Iowa State run ended with a 28-57-3 record.
After coaching, Walden became known for his work behind the microphone, where he was praised for both his character and his presence as a college football announcer.
The reaction from fans and others around the game was immediate. One fan wrote, “Sad to hear.
Last saw Jim about a year ago. His intense passion for the Cougs never dimmed.
He was the Coug coach when I was born & was the fan in the booth during some formative, aspiring sports journalist years. You can’t tell the history of WSU without him,”
Another said, “Learning of the death of Jim Walden. He coached Iowa State football from 1987 to 1994.
Also later served as GM of Barnstormers and co-host of WHO’s Two Guys Named Jim, among many roles. Jim was 88 and living in Idaho.
Just an absolute character from a time when coaches like Walden, Fry, and Orr would speak freely. The Bartles & James spoof with Johnny was legendary.
Last time we had Jim on our show, his storytelling was a sharp as ever. I was on his show two years ago.
He wanted to talk at length about Caitlin Clark. He was a big fan,”
A third tribute read, “The man was a mentor to me and so many others. We will have many former players and coaches join the show who I’m sure will reflect on how integral Coach Walden was on their lives.
He will never get the credit he deserves but that man saved Iowa State football. We will definitely get into that,”
Walden’s death has left former players, fans, and colleagues reflecting on a figure who made his mark both on the sideline and on the air.