Former BYU head coach and Hall of Famer LaVell Edwards passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday.
Whether you were a BYU fan or not, it’s hard not to recognize the impact he had on the world of college football.
Edwards coached for 29 seasons and compiled an overall record of 257-103-3 during his time in Provo. He led the Cougars to a nation championship in 1984 and ranks seventh all-time in FBS coaching victories and second behind former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno among those who coached at just one school.
The two-time national coach of the year (1979, 1984), groomed 34 All-Americans and turned BYU into a quarterback factory with the likes of Jim McMahon, Steve Young and Ty Detmer.
BYU’s LaVell Edwards passes away at the age of 86 https://t.co/v6n3yfrStP pic.twitter.com/h2tgux6w0j
— BYU Football (@BYUfootball) December 29, 2016
His legacy through the coaching tree extends to NFL coaches in Brian Billick, Mike Holmgren, Andy Reid as well as successful college coaches in Kyle Whittingham and Mike Leach.
Minutes after his death, Edwards became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter as fellow fans, players, and coaches gave tribute to one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
The video below captures the moment Edwards won his final game in a 34-27 victory over Utah. Kalani Sitake, who is now the head coach at BYU, gives his mentor a big hug in what will live on as one of the priceless moments in Cougar history.
— Robby Huckvale (@robby_huckvale) December 18, 2015
The greatest coach to ever do it, and an even better man. The world is a better place because of LaVell Edwards. pic.twitter.com/ILWXerD7BM
— The Roar Of Cougars (@byuROC) December 29, 2016
Favorite memory of LaVell Edwards was storming the field after the Miami win & finding myself right next to him. I kissed him on the cheek.
— Cosmo the Cougar (@craigtherandall) December 29, 2016
Heartbreaking to hear the news of LaVell's passing. He made such a positive impact on so many lives & was a loyal family friend.
— Kyle Whittingham (@UtahCoachWhitt) December 29, 2016
True Legend. I love football because of this man. My number one coach forever and ever. LaVell Edwards was THE best. pic.twitter.com/S2SGEX9mcW
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 29, 2016
My first job ever as sideline reporter was covering @BYUCougars football. He treated me with so much kindness and respect. I truly loved him https://t.co/RkgcTg8T0I
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 29, 2016
Thoughts and prayers with the family of my good friend LaVell Edwards and the entire BYU family. A phenomenal coach but even better person! pic.twitter.com/YEl5VsuHuI
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) December 29, 2016
Before passing was a thing, BYU made it their thing. Incredible coach https://t.co/N5j5UQcGLP
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) December 29, 2016
What Edwards achieved was incredible. In nowhere and from nothing, relatively speaking, won a NC, built a power, profoundly influenced game.
— Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) December 29, 2016
Sorry to hear of Lavell Edwards passing. True mentor and friend. His personal influence will be with me forever.
— Bronco Mendenhall (@UVACoachBronco) December 29, 2016
RIP to a football legend. LaVell Edwards has never gotten enough credit for his impact on football. https://t.co/4fUJHJw70h
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 29, 2016
Sad hearing of the passing of Lavell Edwards.I knew him well & called many BYU games including the 89' Holiday Bowl.A great man.May he RIP.
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) December 29, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the great LaVell Edwards. He touched so many lives. What a gentleman. RIP coach. ??
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 29, 2016
In 1973 LaVell Edwards hired my dad @ BYU. His only coaching experience was 1 yr as a HC in high school. Forever grateful to this great man
— Fred Whittingham Jr. (@FWhittinghamJr) December 29, 2016
Every Utah fan owes debt of gratitude to LaVell Edwards. Greatest singular force on U. football outside program. Forced us to raise our game
— Patrick Sheltra (@100ThingsUtah) December 29, 2016
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Lavell Edwards. A true football legend. He will be greatly missed!
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 29, 2016
I was star struck every time I got to speak w/ LaVell. He was always genuinely interested in your endeavors in & out of football. He is BYU.
— David Nixon (@D_Nixon) December 29, 2016
LaVell Edwards was the first D1 coach to travel to "The Rock" American Samoa and offer full ride scholarships, and I was his first recruit.
— Alema Fitisemanu (@AlemaFitisemanu) December 29, 2016
There will never be another LaVell Edwards. He did more than win championships, he changed the eternal course of lives. Love you & Patti!
— Ken Niumatalolo (@NAVYCoachKen) December 29, 2016
OK, none of the rivalry stuff matters today. Lavell Edwards was and is a legend. He deserves all our respect regardless of who you root for
— I am a Utah Man, Sir (@UtahMan1850) December 29, 2016
In #LavellEdwards last game @Utah I cheered for BYU to win b/c I wanted Coach to go out with a win. My family never forgave me. #notsorry
— Sue Sato (@SubaDo_) December 29, 2016
This puts Coachs legacy in perspective With Sitake and Detmer as new Cougar coaches from his era his legend lives on?? #LaVellEdwards pic.twitter.com/nKogd0iCrH
— azredhead (@azredhead) December 29, 2016
LaVell Edwards was loyalist coach I ever met. Had lucrative offers elsewhere but stayed at BYU. Never moved from 1st Provo house he bought.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 29, 2016
LaVell Edwards was both a legend and a friend. My prayers are with Patti and entire Edwards family at this time. LaVell, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/li3UAkoWPr
— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) December 29, 2016
— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) December 29, 2016
