Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at age 89

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at age 89

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have announced the passing of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz, who guided the team to its final national championship in 1988. Holtz was 89 years old. His family revealed he had been receiving hospice care in Orlando, Florida, after several months of declining health.

Over the course of his 33-year collegiate coaching career, Holtz amassed an impressive record of 249 wins, 132 losses, and 7 ties. A significant portion of his tenure was spent in South Bend, where he led the Irish to a 100-30-2 mark from 1986 to 1996.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz,” said current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. “Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the football field. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carry out Notre Dame’s mission.”

Before settling in South Bend, Holtz coached at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina. Between his time at NC State and Arkansas, he took a brief detour into professional football, managing the New York Jets for one season. During that stint, he compiled a 3-10 record and retired after just one game remained in the 1976 campaign.

Reflecting on his pro experience, Holtz once remarked: “God did not put Lou Holtz on this earth to coach in the pros.” His decision to return to college football proved prescient, as he quickly found success at Arkansas. The Razorbacks posted a 60-21-2 record during his tenure, with only one subsequent coach achieving a higher win total at the program.