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Lavell Edwards
In 1972, LaVell Edwards assumed command of one of the nation's many mediocre college
football programs. In the pre-Edwards era, the Cougars had played to a 173-232-23 (.431)
record in 47 seasons, with only one conference title and no bowl appearances to show for
a program that had begun back in 1922. Undaunted by the formidable rebuilding task that lay
ahead, Edwards wasted little time in transforming BYU into a national power. The Cougars made
up for lost time in the next 28 seasons under Edwards, winning 20 conference titles
and appearing in 22 bowl games.
Now, 13 top-25 finishes later, including four top-ten seasons,
Edwards has earned his spot as one of the great college football coaches in the history
of the sport. He heads into the 2000 season with the third most wins (251) and third-best
winning percentage (.723) among active coaches, and currently sits in the No. 7 position
on the all-time wins list, needing just five wins to pass Tom Osborne for No. 6.
He was named National Coach of the Year in 1979 and in 1984, when he led BYU to
the National Championship. He spoke to the founders about the upcoming game and answering
any questions.
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