Hey all --

The following are comments released by the Patriots from Bill Belichick on former San Francisco head coach Bill Walsh, who died today at 75 from leukemia. Belichick was the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for the New York Giants when Walsh's 49ers were the dominant team in the NFL.

"One of the greatest challenges of my career was coaching defense against Bill Walsh. He turned San Francisco’s offense into the best in the league. Beyond being a great offensive coach, Bill mastered running an entire pro football organization. He figured out everything from the big picture down to the smallest detail and documented it in his book, Finding The Winning Edge, which was groundbreaking. It remains easily the most comprehensive and best modern day football book and is required reading for every coach. On a personal level, I am very fortunate to have developed a close friendship with Bill and my deepest condolences are with his family on this sad day."