W. A. Stagg, or Walter A. Stagg, was a prominent American football coach and player in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his role as the head coach of the University of Chicago football team, where he led the program to significant success and helped popularize the sport during its early years. Stagg was also a key figure in the development of college football, contributing to the establishment of rules and regulations that shaped the game. His innovative coaching techniques and emphasis on sportsmanship left a lasting impact on the sport, influencing future generations of coaches and players.