PROVO — BYU's dramatic 34-27 victory over Utah on Friday night was another classic game in this long-standing rivalry. It was a classic way for coach LaVell Edwards to finish his career.
So now what?
The glorious 29-year Edwards Era is history. At 6-6, BYU isn't going to a bowl game. Administrators are preparing to name a new coach.
Athletic director Val Hale says a decision on Edwards' replacement will be made "in the near future." Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Gary Crowton appears to be at the top of the list of candidates, followed by Tennessee Titans assistant George Henshaw.
Various reports say Crowton has already been offered the job. But both Hale and Crowton deny those reports. Henshaw, a former player and coach at West Virginia, withdrew his name from consideration at that school, which is also searching for a new coach. Hale spoke to Henshaw as recently as Thursday and Henshaw reportedly wants the BYU job. Hale has also interviewed Alabama assistant Charlie Stubbs and Cougar assistants Ken Schmidt and Lance Reynolds.
For BYU underclassmen who will return next season, there are some mixed emotions. They're euphoric about how the season ended — with two straight wins — and yet they are wondering what the future holds.
"Right now, I'm worried a little bit," said running back Luke Staley, who helped set up BYU's game-winning touchdown against the Utes. "It's kind of like coming in as a freshman again. We'll be coming in with a new system and a new coach. It will be kind of weird, I guess."
For BYU seniors, they are happy they made Edwards' exit successful. At the same time, there is the disappointment that just when things started going well for them, the season was over.
"I wish I had another game. I would give my life to play with these guys again," said senior defensive lineman Hans Olsen. "I love every guy on this team. It was a rough year at 6-6 for BYU, but I've loved every minute with these guys."
As for Edwards? Win or lose, he was at peace with his decision to step down. But beating the in-state rivals definitely made his farewell sweet. "What a way to go out, huh?" the coach said.
It was a game that featured a pair of teams that had losing records going into it and there were no conference championships or bowl bids at stake. But you wouldn't have guessed it judging by the way BYU and Utah battled. Both teams mounted improbable fourth-quarter comebacks. The Utes trailed 26-10 at the beginning of the last period, then scored 17 straight points. Utah climbed on top, 27-26, with 2:16 remaining in the game.
Then BYU quarterback Brandon Doman engineered a miraculous drive in the final minute, connecting with senior receiver Jonathan Pittman on two consecutive 30-yard pass plays. Doman scored the game-winner when he lunged across the goal line with 23 seconds left.
Amid the postgame celebration, Edwards was happier for his players than for himself.
"It's like I've said all along: I really, really love this team," he said. "It's been so frustrating to have seen them work as hard as they have and not reap anything from it. Tonight it all paid off."
After nearly four decades of recruiting and getting ready for another season at this time of year, Edwards will move on to other things. For the next year, he will work with school officials in fund-raising efforts for the new athletic complex, which is scheduled to be completed in about three years. He eventually wants to serve an LDS Church mission with his wife, Patti. Before walking off the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium Friday night, Edwards reflected briefly on his unforgettable coaching career. "I feel very blessed, to have the health to be able to do it this long, to do something that you love and to be at one place," he said. "To have it go the way it's gone has been a great experience."