BYU

Former BYU Head Coach LaVell Edwards passes away at the age of 86

Legendary BYU Football Coach LaVell Edwards has passed away at the age of 86.

PROVO, UT – LaVell Edwards, the patriarch of BYU Football has passed away at the age of 86. Edwards revolutionized the air raid offense during his time at BYU and became an icon in both College Football and athletics in the state of Utah.

As the head coach of the Cougars from 1972-2000, he compiled a 257-101-3 record. Edwards also led the Cougars to 19 conference titles and one national championship, one of the most dominant stretches in college football history.

Edwards was beloved by his former players as a friend and mentor, before a coach. In the hiring of current Head Coach, Kalani Sitake, Sitake was adamant about instilling the culture that LaVell had created during his tenure. In doing so, the program shifted it’s focus to creating a family environment and opening the doors to former players.

Born in Orem, Utah on October 11, 1930 Edwards spent his early life in Utah County. Graduating from Lincoln High in Orem, Edwards then went on to play college football at Utah State University playing both Center and Linebacker for the Aggies.

Following his college football career, Edwards earned a Master Degree from the University of Utah and later a doctorate degree from Brigham Young University while he was the head coach.

Prior to his tenure at BYU, Edwards was the head coach at Granite High School in Salt Lake City from 1954-1961 and joined the BYU coaching staff as an assistant from 1962-1971.

Edwards coached several players to national recognition behind his prolific offense including a Heisman Trophy, Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Awards, two Outland Trophies, four Davey O’Brien Awards, seven Sammy Baugh Trophies, and 31 receiving All-American honors. His dominant stretch of passing attacks saw several dub BYU “QBU” and put LaVell at the forefront of BYU’s Quarterback Factory.

Edwards finished his career 6th all-time in College Football coaching wins and was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Utah Sports State Hall of Fame.

Prior to LaVell’s last game as the BYU head coach, Cougar Stadium – where BYU played it’s home games – was renamed LaVell Edwards Stadium.

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