🎥 Netflix to Honor BYU Icon LaVell Edwards With Documentary “Built by LaVell”
Netflix is set to shine a national spotlight on one of college football’s most influential figures. The streaming giant will premiere “Built by LaVell” on August 15, 2026, a powerful documentary celebrating the life, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary BYU head coach LaVell Edwards.
For generations of college football fans, Edwards’ name is synonymous with innovation, integrity, and excellence. The documentary promises a deeply personal look at the coach who not only delivered wins and championships, but also reshaped how the game is played and how leaders are built.
According to early descriptions, “Built by LaVell” will feature rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and candid interviews with former players, assistant coaches, family members, and prominent figures from across the football world. Together, these voices tell the story of a man whose influence stretched far beyond the sideline.
LaVell Edwards served as BYU’s head coach from 1972 to 2000, compiling 257 wins and leading the Cougars to a national championship in 1984. But numbers alone fail to capture his significance. Edwards was a pioneer of the modern passing offense, long before it became the standard across college football. His willingness to trust quarterbacks, spread the field, and throw the ball transformed BYU into a national brand and influenced offensive philosophies still used today.
Perhaps more important than the schemes was the culture Edwards built. The documentary reportedly places strong emphasis on his role as a mentor and teacher. Many of his former players—who went on to become coaches, executives, and leaders in various fields—credit Edwards with shaping their character as much as their football careers.
Names like Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Ty Detmer, and countless others are expected to feature prominently, sharing stories that reveal Edwards’ calm leadership style, dry humor, and unwavering belief in his players. Rather than ruling through fear or ego, Edwards led with trust, consistency, and quiet confidence—traits that made him deeply respected across the sport.
The timing of the documentary feels especially meaningful. As college football continues to evolve through conference realignment, NIL deals, and increased commercialization, “Built by LaVell” offers a reminder of an era—and a coach—defined by values, relationships, and long-term vision. It tells the story of how success can be sustained without sacrificing principles.
Netflix’s involvement signals the broader cultural importance of Edwards’ story. This is not just a BYU documentary or a football film; it’s a portrait of leadership. Early buzz suggests the film will resonate with audiences beyond sports fans, highlighting themes of mentorship, innovation, faith, and legacy.
For BYU supporters, the release is expected to be an emotional moment—one that reconnects the program’s present with its foundation. Current head coach Kalani Sitake has often spoken about Edwards’ influence on his own coaching philosophy, making the documentary a bridge between generations of Cougar football.
As August 15 approaches, anticipation continues to grow. “Built by LaVell” stands as both a tribute and a teaching tool, preserving the story of a coach who didn’t just win games, but built people.
In honoring LaVell Edwards, Netflix is capturing something rare in sports: a legacy that endures not because of hype, but because of impact.
