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The sports world and beyond reacted on social media Thursday morning to the news of BYU football coaching legend LaVell Edwards' death. Here's some of the comments made. This story will be continuously updated:
Statement from BYU coach Kalani Sitake: "I was saddened to hear that LaVell passed away this morning," BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake said. "My thoughts and prayers are with Patti and the entire family. As I have expressed many times, LaVell had a tremendous impact on me, not only as a player and as a coach but even more importantly as a person. That is LaVell. He had an impact on so many lives, and not just as coach but as a person. So many people — players, coaches, fans, the entire BYU family, coaching colleagues and opponents — will tell you they are a better person because of him, and I'm definitely one of them. We all love LaVell and appreciate the amazing legacy he leaves with each of us."
Statement from BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe: "I love LaVell Edwards. He came into my life, and the life of many others, at just the right time. I had the influence of a great coach, a wonderful person, a disciple of Christ, a loyal family man and a true friend, from the day I met him until the day he passed away. LaVell had a pure heart. He was the dream coach of every parent. His example will forever be with me and I will strive to live a life of love as he always did."
Statement from Utah coach Kyle Whittingham: "It was heartbreaking to hear the news of Coach Edwards' passing. He was a close friend of our family and we will all miss him. I have many fond memories of Coach Edwards and was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play under his tutelage as well as coach under him as a graduate assistant. He made such a positive impact on so many lives and to me that is what his legacy is all about and what's most important."
Statement from BYU president Kevin J. Worthen: "LaVell's humble, humorous and loving character inspired not only his players, but countless others as well. All who knew him considered him a friend. He was a personal mentor to All-Americans and walk-ons alike. His positive impact reached well beyond BYU and beyond college football. Cougar Nation — and numerous others — mourn his passing. We extend our condolences to Patti and the Edwards family."
Statement from Utah Gov. Gary Herbert: "Jeanette and I were saddened to learn of Coach LaVell Edwards' passing this morning. The Edwards' have been good friends to my family for many years. Of course LaVell will be remembered and revered as one of the great coaches of all time for the way he transformed BYU Football into a national powerhouse. But just as important is how he worked to transform young men into successful and better human beings. He truly cared about his players both on and off the field. A big part of what made him such a legend was his example of excellence in sportsmanship — he always showed the utmost respect for his opponents. LaVell was not just a great coach, but more importantly, LaVell Edwards was a good man and a decent human being. He and his wife Patti have always been great examples to me about how to conduct one's life. LaVell was both a legend, and a friend. Our prayers are with Patti and entire Edwards family at this time. LaVell, you will be dearly missed."
Former BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall: "Sorry to hear of LaVell Edwards passing. True mentor and friend. His personal influence will be with me forever."
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer on Twitter: "Thoughts and prayers with the family of my good friend LaVell Edwards and the entire BYU family. A phenomenal coach but even better person!"
Former BYU player, current ESPN analyst Trevor Matich: "LaVell's ultimate legacy is the men he made better. Wives had better husbands, children had better fathers."
Former BYU QB Robbie Bosco: "I am the person I am today because of LaVell Edwards. His impact on my life is immeasurable. The impact LaVell had on me lingers down to my children and probably even to their children. That's the kind of impact he had on me."
Former BYU return specialist and running back Vai Sikahema on Twitter: "Fond farewell to my college coach, the legendary LaVell Edwards... RIP."
BYU RB Jamaal Williams on Twitter: "RIP to the big man LaVell Edwards, nothing but love and respect for him as a man and a coach."
Former BYU RB Harvey Unga on Twitter: "Coach forever changed BYU football for good but changed more lives than anything!!!! Love you Coach Edwards!! #LegendaryMan #BYUFOOTBALL."
Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo on Twitter: "There will never be another LaVell Edwards. He did more than win championships, he changed the eternal course of lives. Love you & Patti!"
Former Texas coach, current ESPN analyst Mack Brown on Twitter: "The CFB world is saddened by the loss of my great friend coach LaVell Edwards. He will be missed by so many! Great coach but better man."
Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch via email statement: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, LaVell Edwards. Coach Edwards was a gentle giant of the gridiron — a humble yet confident leader who guided the BYU football program through decades of unprecedented success. He was a champion both on and off the field. For thousands of athletes and millions of fans across the nation, LaVell was far more than a steady presence on the sideline; he was a visionary leader, a father figure, and a trusted friend. I will be forever grateful for my own friendship with LaVell Edwards. He was not only one of the most successful coaches in college football history but one of the greatest men I ever knew. Today, my prayers are with Patti and all members of the Edwards family."
Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz on Instagram: "Julie and I share the tremendous sense of loss felt by so many in our community over the death of LaVell Edwards. He touched countless lives, including mine, in a profound and positive way. I feel so fortunate to be among the many young men Coach Edwards influenced and molded during his storied career at BYU. My life is forever changed by my experience on his team. He leaves behind a legacy of success on the field and off. He was a man of integrity whose example we all wanted to emulate. He will be greatly missed."
Former BYU player, current radio host Hans Olsen on Twitter: "I'll always love you Lavell Edwards! You were my mentor, my friend and my hero. Thanks for believing in me & loving me. I miss you already."
FOX sports reporter Bruce Feldman on Twitter: "RIP to a football legend. LaVell Edwards has never gotten enough credit for his impact on football."
Utah Sen. Jim Dabakis on Twitter: "Sad. LaVell Edwards. Full of class as a coach and as a man. Dead at 86."
West Coast Conference on Twitter: "Condolences to all friends and family of @BYUCougars & @BYUfootball on the passing of LaVell Edwards. A mentor to thousands."
BYU Alumni on Twitter: "Our love and prayers go out to the Edwards family. BYU will always be grateful for the man and coach LaVell Edwards was."
Utah assistant coach Fred Whittingham on Twitter: "In 1973 LaVell Edwards hired my dad @ BYU. His only coaching experience was 1 yr as a HC in high school. Forever grateful to this great man."
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe on Twitter: "My [heart] just cracked wide open. Wouldn't be where I am today without LaVell Edwards kind, inclusive treatment. Devastated"
Former BYU, Utah assistant coach Norm Chow: ""LaVell's greatness was in the way he took care of the players and coaches. He loved them."
Former BYU athletic director Val Hale on Twitter: "The state of Utah lost one of its greatest with the passing of LaVell Edwards. I was honored to work with him for many years. A class act."
Utah Jazz broadcaster David Locke on Twitter: "LaVell Edwards has to be the greatest sports icon in Utah. The magnitude of winning. The length of time. The importance of BYU to state."
Utah State wide receiver Zach Van Leeuwen on Twitter: "RIP LaVell Edwards, amazing man. Coached my uncle and my dad. He will be remembered forever."
Former BYU, current Arizona Cardinals LB Alani Fua on Twitter: "Sad to hear the passing of BYU LEGEND LaVell Edwards. #RIP You will be missed."
Former Utah Jazz player, current Jazz broadcaster Thurl Bailey on Twitter: "Very sad news on the passing of friend and Legendary Coach LaVell Edwards. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with his family."
Salt Lake Bees broadcaster Steve Klauke on Twitter: "So sad to hear of Lavell Edwards' passing. One of the nicest people I've met and a great supporter when I first moved to Utah in 1991. RIP."
Utah football on Twitter: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Lavell Edwards. A true football legend. He will be greatly missed!"
Former BYU player, Super Bowl champion Brett Keisel on Twitter: "So sad to hear about my Coach LaVell Edwards passing. What an impact he made on so many athletes at BYU. Thanks for the memories coach!"
Former BYU player Jan Jorgensen on Twitter: "College Football and more importantly the world is better because of you. RIP Lavell."
Former BYU player David Nixon on Twitter: "I was star struck every time I got to speak with LaVell. He was always genuinely interested in your endeavors in & out of football. He is BYU."
FOX Sports broadcaster Tim Brando on Twitter: "Sad hearing of the passing of Lavell Edwards. I knew him well & called many BYU games including the 89' Holiday Bowl. A great man. May he RIP."
CBS Sports reporter Dennis Dodd on Twitter: "National college football day of mourning: A giant of a man and coach has passed. LaVell Edwards."
BYU punter Jonny Linehan on Twitter: "LaVell Edwards is BYU Football. The ultimate man. In football & in life, he always gave his all to help make others better. A pure legend."
Statement from Utah Sen. Mike Lee: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Patty and the rest of the Edwards family today. They have all been inspirational leaders of our community for decades. Coach Edwards' passing is a huge loss for our family, Brigham Young University, and the state of Utah."
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith