Salt Lake City, UT, September 22, 2026 —

Former NFL quarterback Steve Young has spoken about the significant impact that the leadership style of his former BYU football coach, LaVell Edwards, had on his professional career and personal development. Young highlighted specific traits of Coach Edwards that he believes were instrumental to his success.

According to Young, Coach Edwards’ leadership was deeply rooted in a foundation of humility. This characteristic, he suggests, fostered an environment where players and staff felt grounded and focused on collective goals rather than individual accolades. Young noted that this approach was crucial in building a cohesive team dynamic.

Another key element of Edwards’ leadership, as described by Young, was a pervasive sense of curiosity. This trait encouraged continuous exploration and a desire to understand different perspectives, both on and off the field. Young indicated that this intellectual engagement was vital for adapting to the complexities of the sport and for lifelong learning.

Furthermore, Young emphasized Coach Edwards’ openness to learning. This willingness to absorb new information, adapt strategies, and grow personally and professionally created a dynamic and forward-thinking coaching philosophy. Young believes this adaptability was a critical factor in navigating the challenges inherent in a long football career and in life beyond sports.

The influence of these leadership qualities extended beyond Young’s time at BYU and into his highly successful professional career in the National Football League, as well as his subsequent endeavors. Young’s reflections underscore the lasting power of a coach who prioritized character development and a growth mindset alongside athletic achievement.


Story summarized from the original created by Dave McCann on www.deseret.com, see more information here.

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