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LaVell Edwards, head football coach for Brigham Young University from 1972 to 2000, died Thursday. According to the Herald Extra, Patti Edwards reported her husband broke his hip on Christmas Eve which contributed to his death. He was 86.
Reuben LaVell Edwards was born October 11, 1940 in Orem, Utah. He married his sweetheart, Patti, while attending Utah State. Together, they have three children. Under Edwards, BYU had 257 victories, 20 conference titles, and won the national championship in 1984. After his retirement in 2000, the school renamed their stadium after him. He won National Coach of the Year twice and has been inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in 2004.
Tom Holmoe, director of BYU athletics, released the following press release:
“I love LaVell Edwards. He came into my life, and the life of many others, at just the right time. I had the influence of a great coach, a wonderful person, a disciple of Christ, a loyal family man and a true friend, from the day I met him until the day he passed away. LaVell had a pure heart. He was the dream coach of every parent. His example will forever be with me and I will strive to live a life of love as he always did.”
Many others in the sports community shared their condolences online.
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
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
Sad to hear the passing of BYU LEGEND LaVell Edwards #RIP You will be missed ??https://t.co/RfrCYHMntL
— Alani Fua (@bigdaddyFUA) December 29, 2016
RIP to Lavell Edwards. He was a great American and a good friend to my father and the entire Lee family: https://t.co/P4DtsXH1Sf
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 29, 2016

Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.