Background
McFadden was born to William and Sarah McFadden, who were among the early settlers in Placentia, California.
McFadden was born to William and Sarah McFadden, who were among the early settlers in Placentia, California.
He graduated from Stanford University in 1900 and played on the school"s football team
He attended Stanford Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1903. While enrolled at law school, McFadden began coaching college football, first at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon for the 1901 and 1902 seasons, earning a record of 0–1–1 the first season and 2–4–0 the second for an overall record 2–5–1. In 1903, McFadden coached one season at Oregon Agricultural College with a record of 2–4–1.
In 1904, McFadden coached one season for DePauw, ending with a record of 8–2.