Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at age 89
Legendary College Football Coach Lou Holtz Passes Away at 89
Notre Dame University confirmed the passing of Lou Holtz, the revered football coach whose tenure with the Fighting Irish concluded in 1988 with their final national championship. He was 89 years old. In recent months, Holtz faced declining health, prompting his family to share that he had transitioned to hospice care in Orlando, Florida.
A 33-year coaching career spanned multiple programs, including stops at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina. At Notre Dame, from 1986 to 1996, the team recorded a 100-30-2 record under his leadership. “We are deeply saddened to learn of Lou Holtz’s passing,” said current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. “His influence at Notre Dame extended far beyond the field. Lou and his wife, Beth, are cherished for their kindness and dedication to the university’s values,” Freeman added.
A Pro Experience and Return to College Football
Before returning to college, Holtz spent a single season in the NFL with the New York Jets, posting a 3-10 record. He famously remarked,
“God did not put Lou Holtz on this Earth to coach in the pros.”
This sentiment proved true, as he swiftly moved to Arkansas, where he led the Razorbacks to a 60-21-2 record. Only one coach has surpassed his win total at the university since his departure.
Holtz’s legacy at Notre Dame remains unmatched. The school highlighted that the iconic “Play Like A Champion” slogan in the dressing room originated during his era. He also initiated the practice of removing player names from jerseys to highlight team unity, a tradition still upheld today.
A Second Chance in South Carolina
After retiring from coaching in 1996, Holtz ventured into broadcasting with CBS Sports. However, his passion for the game persisted, leading him to revive the South Carolina program in 1998. The team struggled initially, going 1-10 in 1998 and 0-11 in 1999, but Holtz steered them toward success, compiling a 33-26 record over the next five seasons.
His final retirement was permanent, returning to the studio as an ESPN analyst. In a heartfelt memory, ESPN’s Andrea Adelson recalled Holtz’s lively presence at his last public event in Orlando, where he shared stories with fellow legend Lee Corso. “He and Lee Corso told epic stories, and Lou was as sharp and funny as ever,” Adelson noted. “Even as he knew time was limited, he filled the room with joy.”
Holtz is survived by his four children: Luanne, Lou Jr. (known as “Skip”), Kevin, and Elizabeth. The latter three earned degrees from Notre Dame. His wife, Beth, had passed away in 2020 at the age of 82.
