Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Olbermann sparked backlash as he tore into Lou Holtz after the legendary college football coach’s death.
Holtz, the national title-winning college football coach who famously led Notre Dame in the 1980s and 1990s, died at the age of 89 this week.
Following the heartbreaking news of Holtz’s death, tributes flooded in for Holtz. However, Olbermann had nothing nice to say about the late coach.
Taking to social media, Olbermann launched a vile attack on Holtz, who was a supporter of Donald Trump, on the same day that his passing was announced.
‘Legendary scumbag, yes,’ Olbermann wrote in response to a post branding Holtz a ‘legend’ for criticizing former President Joe Biden in 2020 for supporting abortion rights.
Olbermann’s outrageous comment sparked controversy as many college football fans hit back at the former SportsCenter star for his distasteful remark.
Lou Holtz, the national title-winning college football coach, died at 89 in Orlando, Florida
Former ESPN star Keith Olbermann sparked backlash by launching an attack on the late coach
‘Coming from the epitome of scumbags. I’d say have some class, but that ship sailed years ago,’ one social media user replied to Olbermann’s post on X.
‘Mr. Olbermann, you need to reevaluate your worldview,’ urged another. ‘The lens through which you view people and events has grown so clouded that it has distorted your perspective. So many of your posts reek of misunderstanding and hatred. Consider whether you might, at times, be wrong.’
A third wrote: ‘Imagine thinking you’re flexing while talking bad about a Catholic who just passed away. Lou was a million times the man you could ever hope to be.’
‘You are the absolute opposite of Coach Lou Holtz. Your misery is pathetic and sad,’ claimed another.
‘No respect for the just-deceased. Not surprised. Why are you so unhappy?’ questioned a fifth, who added, ‘Try God.’
‘Keith, you’re a legendary has-been. Please go away,’ posted another.
Holtz will be best remembered for rebuilding a historic Notre Dame football program and turning the Fighting Irish into a perennial title contender.
He 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.
Olbermann branded Holtz a ‘scumbag’ on social media after the coach’s death was announced
Holtz is best known for his eleven-season tenure the with Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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.’
It was during his 11-season tenure at Notre Dame that 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.
In 2020, Holtz was awarded with Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump
Holtz became an outspoken supporter of Trump and stumped for the Republican in 2020
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.
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.
In his later years, Holtz 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.
