Lou Holtz, the national title-winning college football coach who famously led Notre Dame in the 1980s and 1990s, has passed away at 89 in Orlando, Florida.
A cause of death has not been revealed, but Holtz had recently been placed into hospice care. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Beth, and survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He will be best remembered for rebuilding a historic Notre Dame football program and turning the Fighting Irish into a perennial title contender. Holtz also became a symbol of success for catholic sports fans across the country, many of whom rooted for Notre Dame regardless of how far they may have lived from the South Bend, Indiana campus.
The West Virginia native ‘rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics,’ read a statement from his family.
‘Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others,’ the statement continued.
‘His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership.’
Lou Holtz, the national title-winning college football coach best known for leading Notre Dame for a decade in the 1980s and 1990s, has passed away at 89 in Orlando, Florida.
In 2020, Holtz was awarded with the Medal of Freedom from president Donald Trump
It was during his 11-season tenure at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988.
Players he coached at Notre Dame included star receivers like 1987 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail, as well as defensive tackle Chris Zorich, quarterback Rick Mirer and Hall-of-Fame running back Jerome Bettis.
Over a head-coaching career spanning 33 years, Holtz amassed 249 wins across multiple programs, including Arkansas, South Carolina, NC State, William & Mary and Minnesota. He also served as an assistant under the legendary Woody Hayes at Ohio State, helping the Buckeyes to win a national championship in 1968.
His less-celebrated coaching tenures include a 3-10 stint as head coach of the NFL’s New York Jets in 1976 and his return to the sideline with South Carolina from 1999 until 2004.
Regardless of the level of play, Holtz was known for his disciplined approach and his ability to turn struggling programs into contenders.
‘He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish,’ read the family statement.
Holtz leads his team onto the field prior to the Fighting Irish 52-7 win over Purdue in 1988
Lou Holtz is pictured during his time as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks
Holtz became an outspoken supporter for Trump and stumped for the Republican in 2020
Lou Holtz was briefly the head coach of the New York Jets, but went just 3-10 in 1976
Beyond the sidelines, Holtz was a best-selling author and a sharp-witted analyst for ESPN from 2004 to 2015. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.
Even in his later years, his passion for the game never wavered, making him a fixture at major college football events and broadcasts.
Holtz also became a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and even spoke in support of the Republican’s re-election at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
Current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freemen has released a statement on behalf of the program.
‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz,’ Freeman saod. ‘Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together. Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust and commitment.
‘Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well behind the football field. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carrying out Notre dame’s mission of being a force for good. On behalf of the Notre Dame Football program, we send our love to Lou’s family, friends and former players, wishing you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.’
Current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freemen released a statement on behalf of the program
Mourners have shared their grief online, including ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, who shared a particularly touching story about Holtz. The meeting, which took place at ESPN’s Connecticut studios about a quarter century ago, involved Greenberg excitedly telling Holtz that he and his wife were expecting their first child.
‘Young man,’ Holtz told Greeneberg, the ESPN host recalled on X, ‘the most important thing you can do for a child is make sure every day they know how much you love their mother.’
As Greenberg wrote Wednesday: ‘RIP Coach, thanks for the best advice anyone ever gave me.’
Indiana governor Mike Braun also released a statement on Wednesday.
‘Coach Lou Holtz was a legend on and off the field, who cared deeply for the state of Indiana and lived a remarkable life grounded in faith, family, and giving back,’ Braun said. ‘He will be greatly missed.’
Holtz is often invoked by coaches in all sports because of his litany of useful motivational quotes.
‘Do right,’ Holtz is quoted as saying. ‘Do your best. Treat others like you want to be treated.’
On the subject of success, he said: ‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’
He also urged his players to embrace the obstacles in their lives, which he saw as the best way to build character.
‘I never had a crisis that didn’t make me stronger,’ he told his players.
