Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at age 89

Legendary College Football Coach Lou Holtz Passes Away at 89

Notre Dame confirmed the passing of Lou Holtz on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for the Fighting Irish. The iconic coach, who guided the team to its final national title in 1988, was 89 years old when he died. His health had deteriorated over the past several months, leading his family to place him in hospice care in Orlando, Florida.

A Legacy Beyond the Field

Current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expressed deep sorrow over Holtz’s death, highlighting his lasting influence beyond football.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz. 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,”

Freeman stated.

A Coaching Journey Across Multiple Programs

Holtz’s head coaching career spanned several institutions, including William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina, in addition to Notre Dame. After his tenure at N.C. State and Arkansas, he ventured into professional football with the New York Jets, where he compiled a 3-10 record in a single season. He left the Jets with one game remaining in 1976, famously declaring,

“God did not put Lou Holtz on this Earth to coach in the pros.”

This sentiment proved true, as he quickly returned to collegiate coaching, leading the Arkansas Razorbacks to a 60-21-2 record during his time there.

The “Play Like A Champion” Legacy

During his era, the “Play Like A Champion” sign that now adorns the Irish dressing room was first displayed. The school noted in a statement that Holtz also removed names from the back of football jerseys to emphasize team unity, a tradition still upheld in regular-season games today.

Later Career in Broadcasting

Retiring after the 1996 season in South Bend, Holtz transitioned to a broadcasting role with CBS Sports. However, his passion for coaching resurfaced, as he took over a struggling South Carolina program. The Gamecocks were 1-10 in 1998 and 0-11 in his first season at South Carolina in 1999. He turned it around, posting a 33-26 record over the next five seasons in Columbia.

Final Public Moments and Survivors

After his second retirement, Holtz returned to the studio as an ESPN analyst. His final public appearance in Orlando featured cherished interactions with fellow legend Lee Corso, as recalled by ESPN’s Andrea Adelson:

“He and Lee Corso told epic stories, and Lou was as sharp and funny as ever. He knew he didn’t have much time left, but that didn’t stop him from filling the room with joy.”

Holtz is survived by his four children: Luanne, Lou Jr. (known as “Skip”), Kevin, and Elizabeth. The latter three graduated from Notre Dame, according to the school. His wife, Beth, passed away in 2020 at the age of 82.