Patti Louise Covey Edwards, Wife of BYU Coaching Legend LaVell Edwards, Passes Away at 93
Patti Louise Covey Edwards, the beloved wife of Hall of Fame BYU football coach LaVell Edwards, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 93. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of BYU football and college athletics as a whole. Patti was more than just the partner of a legendary coach-she was a pillar of strength, compassion, and leadership in her own right.
Born on March 18, 1932, Patti stood alongside LaVell through decades of triumphs, challenges, and historic moments that shaped not only BYU football, but the broader landscape of the sport. The two were inseparable, both in life and legacy. LaVell passed away on December 29, 2016, and now, nearly a decade later, Patti is reunited with her husband.
But Patti’s impact wasn’t confined to the sidelines or the stands. In 1988, she helped launch the American Football Coaches’ Wives Association (AFCWA), a move that would ripple through the college football community for generations.
What started as a small gathering of about 40 women has grown into a national organization with more than 3,000 members today. The AFCWA’s mission-“to provide camaraderie, support, information, and service to the wives of American football coaches”-reflects the very spirit Patti embodied: community, connection, and care.
Patti’s influence extended far beyond the BYU campus. She was a role model for countless families across the sport, offering guidance and support in a world that often demands as much from coaches’ families as it does from the coaches themselves. Her leadership helped create a network where coaches’ wives could lean on each other, share wisdom, and build lasting friendships in a profession known for its high stakes and constant movement.
Those who knew Patti speak of a woman who led with grace, humility, and unwavering support-not just for her husband, but for the countless players, coaches, and families who passed through the BYU program. Her presence was felt in every corner of the football community, and her legacy will continue to shape it for years to come.
To get a deeper look at Patti’s extraordinary life, BYUtv’s Deep Blue feature offers a heartfelt tribute, and an excerpt from the book 100 Years of BYU Football provides further insight into the woman behind one of college football’s most revered coaching dynasties.
Patti Edwards leaves behind a legacy built on love, service, and strength-a legacy that will forever be a part of BYU football and the broader coaching community.