Patti Edwards, widow of BYU football legend LaVell, dies at 93

The long-time matriarch of BYU football was married to the Hall of Fame coach for over 65 years.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Patti Edwards, the widow of legendary BYU football coach LaVell Edwards, passed away on Friday at the age of 93. The couple was married for over 65 years and Patti was deeply involved in the BYU football program, founding the American Football Coaches' Wives Association and hosting the football wives' club at their Provo home. Even after LaVell's passing in 2016, Patti remained an influential figure in the BYU community, continuing her service work and meeting with current head coach Kalani Sitake.

Why it matters

Patti and LaVell Edwards were an iconic couple in the history of BYU football, with Patti playing a vital role in supporting the program and the coaches' families for decades. Her passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a beloved figure who left a lasting impact on the university and the broader college football community.

The details

Patti Edwards was born Patti Louise Covey in Wyoming and had never seen a football game before being set up on a blind date with LaVell Edwards, who was then a graduate assistant coach at Utah State. The couple got married and Patti quickly became immersed in the world of college football, founding the American Football Coaches' Wives Association in 1988 and hosting a football wives' club at their Provo home. Even after LaVell's passing in 2016, Patti remained active in the BYU community, continuing her service work and meeting with current head coach Kalani Sitake, who cited her influence in his decision to remain at BYU despite overtures from other programs.

  • Patti Edwards passed away on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • LaVell Edwards, Patti's husband and the legendary BYU football coach, died on December 29, 2016 at the age of 86.

The players

Patti Edwards

The long-time matriarch of BYU football and widow of legendary head coach LaVell Edwards.

LaVell Edwards

The Hall of Fame football coach who led BYU to national prominence during his tenure from 1972 to 2000.

Kalani Sitake

The current head coach of the BYU football team, who has cited Patti Edwards' influence in his decision to remain at BYU despite overtures from other programs.

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What they’re saying

“She was amazing. She wasn't trying to make a decision for me on anything, but she just told me about the value of BYU and the value of being some place for a long time and how it helped her family, and how it was such a feeling of ease for LaVell. I took that into account quite a bit.”

— Kalani Sitake, BYU Head Football Coach (Deseret News)

What’s next

Funeral services for Patti Edwards will be held on February 7, 2026, and a live stream will be available on YouTube for those unable to attend.

The takeaway

Patti Edwards' passing marks the end of an era for BYU football, as she was a beloved figure who played a vital role in supporting the program and the coaches' families for decades. Her legacy of service, community, and unwavering support for her husband and the BYU football team will continue to inspire and influence the university and the broader college football community.