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Former Iowa State Coach Jim Walden Dies at 88

7/4/2026

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Summary

Jim Walden Dies

Jim Walden died at age 88 on Thursday.
He coached Iowa State (1987-1994) to a 28-57-3 record, posted a 6-5 season in 1989—the program’s first winning conference record since 1978—and upset No. 7 Nebraska (1992), No. 16 Oklahoma (1990) and No. 18 Kansas State (1993).
Earlier, he led Washington State (1978-86) to a 44-52-4 record and the 1981 Holiday Bowl, then played quarterback in the CFL for BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos.

Summary

Walden Dies

Donald Walden died of acute respiratory failure in Coeur d'Alene after a hospitalization.
He is survived by wife Nancy, children Lisa, Emily, Murray, stepsons Eric, Raleigh, and eight grandchildren.
Walden entered the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009 and 1981 Cougars will be inducted in October.
From 2001-2011 he was a radio analyst and helped bring the Apple Cup back to Pullman in 1982, producing a 24-20 upset of Washington.

History

Historical Context

Jim Walden became Washington State’s head football coach in December 1977, leading the Cougars to a 4-6-1 debut in the newly expanded Pac-10 during the 1978 season. Over nine seasons he shaped the program’s rivalry with Idaho and other regional contests. The 2024 deaths of Walden and his son Donald revived alumni remembrance of that era.

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Jim Walden Dies

Jim Walden died at age 88 on Thursday.
He coached Iowa State (1987-1994) to a 28-57-3 record, posted a 6-5 season in 1989—the program’s first winning conference record since 1978—and upset No. 7 Nebraska (1992), No. 16 Oklahoma (1990) and No. 18 Kansas State (1993).
Earlier, he led Washington State (1978-86) to a 44-52-4 record and the 1981 Holiday Bowl, then played quarterback in the CFL for BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos.

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