Legendary Notre Dame football coach, College Football Hall of Famer and longtime ESPN broadcaster Lou Holtz has died at the age of 89.
In a statement shared via social media on Wednesday, March 4, Notre Dame announced that Holtz passed away in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family.
“Louis Leo ‘Lou’ Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family,” the university said in its statement.
Born on January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics. Across a five-decade coaching career, he led programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina transforming each team he inherited and restoring competitiveness to storied programs.
Lou Holtz’s most celebrated achievement came during his tenure at Notre Dame. After taking over the Fighting Irish in 1986, he engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football. In just his third season, he guided the program to a consensus national championship in 1988, completing an undefeated campaign that cemented his place among the sport’s elite coaches.
Notre Dame’s statement highlighted not only Holtz’s competitive success but also his character and influence beyond the field.
“Lou Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service and an unwavering belief in the potential of others,” the statement read. “His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership.”
Lou Holtz is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife of 58 years, Beth Holtz, died in 2020.
His son, Skip Holtz — himself a former college football head coach — confirmed his father’s passing on Wednesday, just over a month after Holtz entered hospice care.
“My father passed away today resting peacefully at home,” Skip, 61, wrote on X. “I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers over the last couple months! He was successful, but more important he was Significant.”
Lou Holtz began his head coaching career at the College of William & Mary in 1969 and steadily climbed the coaching ranks before landing at Notre Dame in 1986. Following his successful tenure in South Bend, he concluded his coaching career at South Carolina in 2004.
After stepping away from the sidelines, Holtz transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He began his television career at CBS before joining ESPN, where he became a recognizable and often outspoken analyst until 2015.
Current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also paid tribute in a statement shared, reflecting on the personal bond they shared.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz,” Freeman said. “Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together. Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust and commitment.”
Freeman added that Holtz’s legacy extended well beyond championships and wins.
“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 carrying out Notre Dame’s mission of being a force for good. On behalf of the Notre Dame football program, we send our love to Lou’s family, friends and former players, wishing you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.”
Holtz leaves behind not only a record of sustained excellence and a national championship trophy, but also a reputation as one of college football’s most influential leaders a coach who blended discipline with inspiration, and who shaped generations of players through his emphasis on character, accountability and belief.