LaVell Edwards is a college football coaching icon whose success and longevity have been equaled by few.  As the head football coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1972 to 2000, Edwards became recognized as one of the most influential and innovative minds in the history of the game while compiling 257 wins. 

He has received literally every honor available to college football coaches.  Among his awards are the following:

• Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year
• AFCA National Coach of the Year
• Coach of the Century in the State of Utah
• Paul “Bear” Bryant Award
• Amos Alonzo Stagg Award
• Member, College Football Hall of Fame

His teams appeared in 13 bowl games, won 20 conference championships in his 29 seasons, and won the 1984 National Championship.  Edwards’ players also won awards under his leadership, including a Heisman Trophy, a Doak Walker Award, a Maxwell Award, two Outland Trophies, four Davey O’Brien Awards, seven Sammy Baugh Awards, and 31 All-America citations, including 11 Consensus All-Americans.  Edwards coaching tree is far-reaching with names such as Mike Holmgren, Steve Sarkisian, Norm Chow, Andy Reid, and Brian Billick counted among those who were mentored by the coach. 

Prior to Coach Edwards’ final game, the football stadium at BYU was renamed LaVell Edwards Stadium in his honor.  At the time of his retirement, he ranked sixth in all-time victories.

A graduate of Utah State University, Edwards has also devoted much of his life to service.  He has served his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in numerous capacities, including as a full-time missionary in New York City and as a bishop in the church.  He serves as a national advisor to ASCEND, a humanitarian alliance.

Edwards says “true success is measured by what we choose to do with our lives, not by how many yards we gain running the ball or how rich we are or if we have a powerful position.  The true blessings that I have in my life have always been and will always be the testimony that I have of Jesus Christ; my wife, Patty; and my children.”