Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz, who spent more than three decades leading major programs — most famously the Notre Dame Fighting Irish — has died. He was 89.
The team confirmed that Holtz passed away Wednesday, sharing a statement from his family saying he died peacefully at his home in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by loved ones, according to Fox News.
“Louis Leo ‘Lou’ Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family,” the statement said.
“Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics.”
“Over a remarkable five-decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, N.C. State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. Holtz was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service.”
Holtz was reportedly moved into hospice care toward the end of January.
Lou Holtz was one of the most recognizable and successful figures in college football history, known for his leadership, motivational style and decades-long coaching career.
Born on January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz developed a passion for football early in life. After playing linebacker at Kent State University, he began a coaching career that would span more than three decades and include several major college programs.
Holtz served as head coach at schools including William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina. His most famous tenure came with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996. During that time, he led the team to the 1988 national championship and compiled one of the most successful periods in the program’s history.
Across his coaching career, Holtz became the only coach to lead six different programs to bowl games. He was widely respected for turning struggling teams into competitive programs and for his disciplined approach to leadership.
After retiring from coaching in 2004 following a successful run with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Holtz transitioned to television. He became a prominent college football analyst for ESPN, where his energetic personality and blunt commentary made him a fan favorite.
Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020 for his contributions to sports and leadership.
Per the New York Post, Holtz attended Arkansas Razorbacks football’s game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Fayetteville last October.
Holtz was married to Beth Barcus from 1961 until her death in 2020, and together they had four children.