The Leadership of LaVell Edwards | An Interview with Dave McCann & Mark Ogletree

Dave McCann is a veteran sportscaster, play-by-play announcer, and television anchor with decades of broadcasting experience across regional and national media. After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in broadcasting, he began his career as a college sports reporter for ABC’s Good Morning America before anchoring sports in Las Vegas for nearly 20 years. He later served as an evening news co-anchor for KSL-TV in Salt Lake City and became a prominent media personality for BYUtv, hosting pre- and post-game shows alongside lead play-by-play coverage for BYU football and basketball. McCann also writes sports commentary for the Deseret News and co-hosts the digital BYU sports talk show Y’s Guys. He currently serves as an elders quorum president. Dr. Mark D. Ogletree is a professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University and a licensed professional counselor who has worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 30 years to strengthen relationships and navigate personal challenges. After spending two decades in the Church Educational System as a Seminary and Institute teacher and director, he joined the BYU faculty in 2010, specializing in family dynamics and prophetic teachings. An accomplished author, Ogletree has published numerous books and articles on marriage, family life, parenting, mental health, and contemporary Latter-day Saint history, including recent titles such as The Leadership Legacy of LaVell Edwards, Christ’s Miracles: Yesterday and Today, Heaven Is Cheering You On, and Beyond the Honeymoon.

Alongside his wife, Janie—with whom he shares eight children and 32 grandchildren—he hosts two weekly podcasts: Preserving Families and Stand by My Servants. In addition to his academic, clinical, and writing endeavors, Ogletree has served as a bishop in both McKinney, Texas, and Provo, Utah, and currently serves as a stake president in Provo.

Links

The Leadership Legacy of LaVell Edwards MarkOgletree.com Offering Transformation Through Jesus to Those You Lead | An Interview with Pastor Derwin L. Gray How LaVell Edwards Influenced His Team to be a Team of Leaders | An Interview With Paul Gustavson Love Without Works is Dead | An Interview With Chad Lewis, Former BYU Player & NFL Pro-Bowler From BYU Quarterback to Stake President | An Interview with Brandon Doman Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Mark Ogletree and Dave McCann discuss their book, The Leadership Legacy of LaVell Edwards. They share insights gained from interviewing dozens of former players, staff, and loved ones of the legendary Brigham Young University (BYU) football coach. The conversation centers on Edwards’ unique, Christlike approach to leadership, relationship-building, delegation, and personal mentorship.

Key Insights Delegation and Empowerment: Lavell Edwards believed in hiring capable experts, trusting them completely, and giving them the autonomy to execute their roles without micromanagement. One-on-One Relationships: Rather than focusing purely on football tactics, Lavell maintained an open-door policy and prioritized checking in on his players’ personal lives, families, and future goals. Seeing Unseen Potential: Lavell possessed a unique ability to identify hidden talents in individuals—often encouraging position changes, urging players to serve missions, or convincing them to stay when they wanted to quit. Lifting the Lost and Struggling: He repeatedly reached out to lower-string players or individuals in crisis, offering unwavering support, loyalty, and personal investment during their hardest moments. Innovation and Vision: Recognizing systemic limitations, Lavell embraced innovative approaches—such as pioneering a high-powered passing offense—to elevate his program to national prominence.

Leadership Applications Empower Ward and Organizational Leaders: Latter-day Saint leaders can emulate Lavell Edwards by delegating real authority to presidency members, committee leaders, and council members rather than attempting to manage every operational detail. Prioritize Personal Ministering: Leaders should create accessible, low-pressure environments (such as open-door settings or informal check-ins) to focus on individual souls rather than just administrative tasks. Instill Belief in Others: Leaders can actively express confidence in those they serve, helping individuals recognize their divine potential and encouraging them toward transformative choices like missionary or church service.