Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz has died at the age of 89, Notre Dame announced. Holtz, who led the Fighting Irish to their last national championship in 1988, had been in failing health and was moved to hospice care in Orlando, Florida, prior to his passing.
Lou Holtz is celebrated for leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to their last national championship in 1988.
A Storied Coaching Career
In a career spanning 33 seasons as a college head coach, Holtz achieved an impressive overall record of 249-132-7.
His most notable tenure was at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, where he guided the Irish to a remarkable 100-30-2 record.
Beyond his time in South Bend, Holtz also held head coaching positions at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina. He also had a brief stint in professional football with the New York Jets in 1976.
Holtz notably led the Arkansas Razorbacks to a strong 60-21-2 record during his tenure.
After initially retiring from coaching following the 1996 season, he returned to the sidelines to lead the South Carolina Gamecocks. He successfully turned around their program, achieving a 33-26 record in his final five seasons.
Notre Dame Legacy
Holtz holds a distinguished place as one of only five coaches to win a national championship at Notre Dame.
His indelible mark on the program includes establishing the iconic 'Play Like A Champion' sign in the Irish dressing room and initiating the tradition of removing names from the back of football jerseys during regular-season games.
Post-Coaching Life
After his final retirement from coaching, Holtz continued to contribute to the sport as a college football analyst. He worked for CBS Sports and later for ESPN, offering his insights and expertise.
Family
Holtz is survived by his four children: Luanne, Lou Jr. (Skip), Kevin, and Elizabeth. His wife, Beth Holtz, passed away in 2020 at the age of 82.