LaVell Edwards facts for kids
Edwards in 2010
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 11, 1930 Orem, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | December 29, 2016 (aged 86) Provo, Utah, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Utah State University (B.A.) University of Utah (M.Ed.) Brigham Young University (Ed.D.) |
| Playing career | |
| 1949–1951 | Utah State |
| Position(s) | Offensive lineman |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1954–1961 | Granite HS (UT) |
| 1962–1971 | BYU (assistant) |
| 1972–2000 | BYU |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 257–101–3 (college) |
| Bowls | 7–14–1 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 1 national (1984) 18 WAC (1974, 1976–1985, 1989–1993, 1995–1996) 1 MWC (1999) |
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| Awards | |
| Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award (1979) AFCA Coach of the Year (1984) Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (1984) Amos Alonzo Stagg Award (2003) |
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| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 2004 (profile) |
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LaVell Edwards (born October 11, 1930 – died December 29, 2016) was a famous American football coach. He led the team at Brigham Young University (BYU) for many years. With 257 wins, he is one of the most successful college football coaches ever.
Edwards helped BYU win a national championship in 1984. He also coached Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer in 1990. Before coaching, Edwards played football at Utah State University. He also earned advanced degrees from the University of Utah and BYU.
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Coaching Career at BYU
LaVell Edwards was the head football coach for BYU from 1972 to 2000. Before that, he was an assistant coach from 1962 to 1971. He changed how college football was played with his unique offensive style.
A New Way to Play Football
When Edwards started coaching, most college teams focused on running the ball. But Edwards had a different idea. He wanted his team to throw the ball a lot! He got this idea by looking at BYU's past. The team had struggled, except for one time when they won a championship by throwing the ball a lot.
Edwards's teams threw over 11,000 passes for more than 100,000 yards. They also scored 635 touchdowns through the air. This passing style changed college football.
Coaching Star Quarterbacks
Edwards coached many famous quarterbacks. Some of these include Steve Young, Jim McMahon, and Ty Detmer. These players became very successful in college and professional football.
His players won many awards. These include a Heisman Trophy, a Doak Walker Award, and a Maxwell Award. Many players also earned All-America honors.
National Championship and Retirement
In 1984, Edwards was named the National Coach of the Year. This was after BYU had a perfect season, winning all 13 games. They also won the National Championship that year.
Edwards retired after the 2000 season. His final coaching record was 257 wins, 101 losses, and 3 ties. At the time, he was one of the top coaches in college football history for total wins.
Before his last game, BYU honored him by renaming their home field. Cougar Stadium became LaVell Edwards Stadium. The stadium had grown much bigger during his time as coach. It went from 35,000 seats to over 65,000 seats.
In 2003, Edwards received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award. This award honors coaches who have made a big impact on football.
Famous Bowl Game Comeback
One of Edwards's most memorable games was the 1980 Holiday Bowl. BYU was losing badly to Southern Methodist University (SMU). With only 4 minutes left, BYU was down 45–25. But they made an amazing comeback and won the game!
After winning the national championship in 1984, Edwards was offered coaching jobs by professional teams. He was also offered a job at the University of Texas at Austin. But he chose to stay at BYU.
LaVell Edwards' Achievements
Edwards had many great achievements during his coaching career:
- He is 22nd on the NCAA all-time list for coaching victories (257 wins).
- He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
- He coached 6 All-American quarterbacks.
- His teams led the nation in passing offense 8 times.
- His teams led the nation in total offense 5 times.
- His teams led the nation in scoring offense 3 times.
Coaches Who Worked with Edwards
Many coaches and players who worked with LaVell Edwards went on to become successful coaches themselves. This is often called a "coaching tree." Some notable people from his coaching tree include:
- Mike Holmgren, who coached the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.
- Andy Reid, the current head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Steve Sarkisian, who is now the head coach at the University of Texas.
- Ty Detmer, a Heisman Trophy winner who later coached at BYU.
- Kalani Sitake, the current head coach at BYU.
Personal Life
While coaching at BYU, LaVell Edwards also earned his doctorate degree.
After he retired from coaching, Edwards remained an important leader. He was a speaker for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). BYU is owned and operated by the LDS Church. In 2002 and 2003, he and his wife served an 18-month mission for the LDS Church in New York City.
His Passing
LaVell Edwards passed away on December 29, 2016, at his home in Provo, Utah. He was 86 years old. A public memorial service was held for him in Provo. A private funeral was also held for his family and friends.
Images for kids
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LaVell Edwards Stadium at Brigham Young University
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Edwards carrying the Olympic Torch in 2002
See also
- Legends Poll
- List of presidents of the American Football Coaches Association
- List of college football coaches with 200 wins
