BYU, Edwards Agree to Five-Year Contract Extension

Brigham Young University today announced it has reached an agreement to have LaVell Edwards continue as its head football coach for the next five years.

"LaVell Edwards put BYU football on the map," said BYU President Merrill J. Bateman. "There are many rumors and reports circulating that he is ready to retire. We are pleased to announce that he has agreed to coach the Cougars for several more years."

Edwards, 68, is the NCAA's eighth winningest active Division-I coach with a record of 245-91-3 (.726). His 245 victories rank seventh all-time among Division-I coaches.

"I am pleased that the administration likes what we have been doing and that they want me to continue coaching," Edwards said. "We have good young players in the program and strong schedules in the coming years. The future looks bright for BYU football. I also want to help get a number of projects off the ground before I retire, including upgrading some of our football facilities."

Since he assumed head coaching duties in 1972, Edwards' teams have won 18 conference championships and have played in 21 bowl games, including a string of 17 straight. Currently, the Cougars are ranked 17th in the AP poll and 19th in the USA Today/Coaches' poll.

"I am thrilled that Coach Edwards will continue at the helm of the BYU football program," said Val Hale, BYU's Athletic Director. "This announcement should send a clear message to recruits and fans that BYU football will continue its winning ways into the next century. LaVell's influence will help the program both on and off the field as we prepare for new projects and challenges the next decade and century will bring."