SPORTS LEGEND, 72, BACK AT STANFORD

They are together again, the legendary coach and the university he loves. Bill Walsh and Stanford -- together for the fourth and final time, walking arm in arm into the twilight of his career.
Walsh and Cardinal Athletic Director Ted Leland hatched the plan a few years ago, then kept it quiet until March, when Walsh was named special assistant to the athletic director. Walsh helps with fundraising and special projects. He mentors coaches and athletes, and he provides organizational advice to the struggling football program.
It's probably the last full-time job he'll ever hold.
Walsh watched a handful of spring practices and was impressed with senior tight end Alex Smith and sophomore quarterback Trent Edwards, who has replaced Chris Lewis as the full-time starter. He certainly doesn't expect another dreary season from the Cardinal, 4-7 in 2003.
``I think they'll be much better than some people are anticipating,'' Walsh said. ``Edwards has great potential. He has leadership qualities and good command in the pocket.
Walsh hopes to travel with the team this fall, but that means clearing time in his schedule. When it comes to saying no, Walsh fails miserably.
``We just had our end-of-year meeting, and Bill talked for about an hour,'' Gould said. ``He talked to us as a coach, but he didn't say, `This is how you do it.' He just shared the experiences that have made an impact on him. . . . He was phenomenal.''

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