Lou Holtz, the celebrated former head coach of Notre Dame, has passed away at the age of 89, as announced by his family and the university on Wednesday. Holtz died in Orlando, surrounded by loved ones.
Holtz is widely remembered for his strong values of faith, family, and service, as well as his belief in the potential of individuals. His family stated, “His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership.”
Coaching the Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996, Holtz achieved significant success, accumulating 100 victories during his tenure. His most notable achievement came in 1988 when he led Notre Dame to a perfect season, finishing 12-0 and securing the national championship with a victory in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl.
In addition to his time at Notre Dame, Holtz held head coaching positions at several colleges, including William & Mary, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina. He also spent one season as head coach of the New York Jets in the NFL. Over his college coaching career, Holtz amassed a total of 249 wins across 33 seasons.
After retiring from coaching, Holtz transitioned to broadcasting, serving as a college football analyst for CBS Sports and ESPN. He was also known for his political involvement, notably speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention to endorse President Trump, who later awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in December 2020.
Holtz”s legacy in college football is profound, and he will be remembered not only for his coaching accomplishments but also for the values he instilled in those around him.
