LaVell Edwards

Reuben LaVell Edwards (October 11, 1930 – December 29, 2016)

Edwards played football for Utah State University and earned a master's degree at the University of Utah prior to coaching at BYU, where he also earned his doctorate.

Coaching career Edwards was BYU's head football coach from 1972 to 2000. He had previously served as an assistant coach from 1962 to 1971. His offensive scheme was passing-dominated. 34 All-America citations (including 10 consensus All-Americans), 11 conference player of the year and 24 Academic All-America player citations.

Prior to Edwards' final game, BYU renamed its home field, Cougar Stadium, as LaVell Edwards Stadium in his honor. and second all-time in victories with a single program (behind only Joe Paterno at Penn State). Edwards received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award, presented by the American Football Coaches Association, in 2003. Member of the College Football Hall of Fame His teams led the nation in passing offense 8 times His teams led the nation in scoring offense 3 times

Numerous other prominent coaches appear as offshoots on the Edwards tree. Holmgren's coaching tree includes Jon Gruden, Steve Mariucci, Jim Mora, Todd Bowles, and Mike Sherman. Reid's tree includes John Harbaugh, Brad Childress, Doug Pederson, Sean McDermott, and Ron Rivera. Billick's tree includes Rex Ryan, Marvin Lewis, and Jack Del Rio.

Head coaching record

Personal life While head football coach at BYU, Edwards also earned a doctorate.

Following his retirement from coaching, Edwards remained a prominent leader and speaker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which owns and operates BYU. He and his wife served an eighteen-month mission for the LDS Church in New York City during 2002 and 2003. He lived in Provo, Utah until his death.

Death Edwards suffered a broken hip on December 24, 2016, and died five days later at his home in Provo on December 29, at the age of 86.