Former BYU coach Edwards receives prestigious award

HOUSTON — Legendary BYU football coach LaVell Edwards received the 2013 Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th annual Marathon Oil Corp. award ceremony Thursday.

Edwards, the seventh all-time winningest coach in Division I college football history, was honored for his accomplishments during a 29-year career as the Cougars' head coach. He retired in 2000.

Under Edwards, BYU compiled a record of 257-101-3, and the Cougars won the 1984 national championship and 19 conference titles. Also during his tenure, BYU won a Heisman Trophy, two Outland Trophies, four Davey O'Brien Awards and appeared in 21 bowl games.

He has twice been honored as the national coach of the year, has received many conference and district accolades and been feted by a myriad of state and national organizations — not just for his accomplishments on the field, but for the integrity and class he added to the profession.

The Marathon Oil Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards honor excellence in coaching while serving as a charity fundraiser. Bryant suffered a heart attack prior to his death in 1983, and the American Heart Association uses the proceeds to fund heart disease and stroke research, and related community education and outreach programs.