A coach at the professional and collegiate levels for five decades, he is one of the most respected football coaches of all time.  As head coach at Stanford University, he led the Indians to consecutive Rose Bowl victories in 1971 and 1972.  In 1972, he became head coach and general manager for the Denver Broncos.  By 1973, he was named the AFC Coach of the Year after leading the Broncos to their first winning season in 13 years.  He returned to collegiate coaching as the head coach at San Jose State University from 1993-1996.

A talented football mind and respected individual, Ralston was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.