Bill Walsh was one of the most innovative and successful coaches in NFL history, revolutionizing the game with his West Coast offense. Born on November 30, 1931, in Los Angeles, Walsh attended Hayward High School, where he played running back. He played quarterback at the College of San Mateo for two seasons before transferring to San José State University, where he played tight end and defensive end. Walsh also participated in intercollegiate boxing, winning a golden glove. He graduated from San José State with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1955, then spent two years in the U.S. Army participating on its boxing team before earning his master's degree in physical education from San José State in 1959.