Throughout Thursday, several of his former players, fellow coaches, and dear friends of Edwards shared their memories of the man.
Legendary BYU football coach LaVell Edwards passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 86, surrounded by loved ones. Regardless of one’s favorite team, he was a pillar in the community of the state of Utah, known and loved by so many.
He won the 1984 national championship during his tenure from 1972-2000. BYU’s stadium was renamed in his honor after his final season. He coached the Cougars to 257 wins, the 7th-most in FBS history. During that time, he twice was named national coach of the year (1979, 1984) and coached 1990 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Ty Detmer among his 34 All-Americans. He won 20 conference championships and appeared in 22 bowl games. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Throughout Thursday, several of his former players, fellow coaches, and dear friends of Edwards shared their memories of the man.
Ron McBride – Former Utah head coach
Ty Detmer – BYU Offensive Coordinator, former QB
Mike Holmgren – Former NFL coach, BYU QB coach 1982-85
Kalani Sitake – BYU head coach, former BYU fullback
Jason Buck – Fmr BYU DL, Outland Trophy Winner
Fred Whittingham, Jr. – Utah tight ends coach, former BYU fullback
Marv Allen – Fmr BYU LB
Alema Fitisemanu – Utah Dir. of HS Relations, former BYU LB
Steve Young (on ESPN’s Sportscenter) – ESPN NFL analyst, former BYU, NFL QB
Trevor Matich (on ESPN’s Sportscenter) – ESPN NFL/NCAAF analyst, former BYU, NFL center
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham issued a statement on Edwards’ passing, but declined media interviews:
“It was heartbreaking to hear the news of Coach Edwards’ passing. He was a close friend of our family and we will all miss him. I have many fond memories of Coach Edwards and was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play under his tutelage as well as coach under him as a graduate assistant. He made such a positive impact on so many lives and to me that is what his legacy is all about and what’s most important.”
Featured image courtesy of Mark Philbrick/BYU
