JUST IN: “MORE THAN JUST A NAME” — KALANI SITAKE NAMES NEWBORN SON ‘LAVELL’ IN TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO BYU LEGEND
In an emotional and heartfelt move, Kalani Sitake, the head coach of BYU football, has named his newborn son Lavell in honor of BYU’s most iconic football figure—Lavell Edwards. Edwards, a legendary coach for the Cougars, led BYU football through an era of unprecedented success, including the 1984 national championship. Sitake’s decision to name his son after Edwards isn’t just about honoring a coach; it’s about carrying forward the legacy of excellence, leadership, and commitment that Edwards represented both on and off the field.
The name Lavell has long been synonymous with BYU football greatness. Lavell Edwards served as head coach from 1972 to 2000, during which he transformed the program into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, BYU enjoyed 19 consecutive bowl appearances, numerous conference titles, and produced a generation of players who have gone on to make their mark in the NFL. His success was especially notable for his ability to develop quarterbacks, with Hall of Famers like Steve Young and Ty Detmer among his protégés.
Kalani Sitake, who took over the BYU football program in 2016, has continuously spoken about how Lavell Edwards shaped his own football philosophy. “It’s hard to overstate the impact that Coach Edwards had on the university and this program. His legacy continues to inspire all of us who’ve had the privilege of being part of BYU football,” Sitake said in a recent interview. “Naming my son Lavell is not just a tribute to the man, but a reminder to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence.”
The announcement has stirred emotion in the BYU community, where Lavell Edwards is still celebrated as a pioneer. Fans and former players took to social media to praise Sitake for his thoughtful gesture. “What a beautiful tribute to a man who defined a generation of BYU football. Lavell Edwards will forever be a part of us,” one former player tweeted.
For Sitake, naming his son Lavell is more than a gesture of respect—it is a deep, personal tribute to a man who not only molded the program but helped elevate the values that Sitake holds dear: perseverance, hard work, and integrity. “My son will grow up knowing the legacy of Coach Edwards. He will know the importance of hard work, teamwork, and never settling for mediocrity,” Sitake added.
For BYU fans, this name carries powerful symbolism. Lavell Edwards isn’t just a figure in the history books; he’s a figure who still resonates in the hearts of those who grew up watching him lead the Cougars to glory. The name represents more than just football—it’s about the heart and soul of a program that shaped the lives of countless students and players.
As the Sitake family embarks on this new chapter, the name Lavell will be a constant reminder of how far BYU football has come and the path forward. With the new generation—represented by Kalani’s son Lavell—comes the hope that BYU football will continue to strive for greatness, just as Lavell Edwards did throughout his career.
It’s clear: Sitake’s decision to name his son after Edwards is a profound tribute, blending family, legacy, and football into a powerful message of continuity and pride for future generations of BYU players, coaches, and fans.
This is not just a name. It’s a living tribute to a legacy that will never fade.
