I wasn't aware that he had any health problems. He was 75 and died of Lukemia. He was certainly one of the greats. RIP
He was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2004 but didn't go public with it until late last year. Niner beat writers had been mentioning for a few years that he looked to be in poor health. Bill Walsh was an offensive genius and a Bay Area icon that took the 49ers on a great ride. I've read that he wasn't the inventor of the West Coast Offense (Sid Gillman is said to be), but he sure made it popular. He'll always be spoken of with reverence in SF. I have some not-so-fond memories of him from his second go-round at Stanford and his days as a special consultant with the Niners, but I do respect his accomplishments and contributions to the game. Rest in peace, Coach Walsh.