Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
WASHINGTON — Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach who helped University of Notre Dame win the 1988 National Championship and coached at six colleges and universities, has died. He was 89.
The University of Notre Dame confirmed his death Wednesday in a news release, and the Holtz family issued a statement on X.
The family said the Hall of Famer football coach died in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by loved ones. Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said a cause of death was not provided by the family.
Funeral arrangements will be announced soon, according to the statement.
“Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others,” the statement reads. “His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership.”
His son Skip also shared a statement on X on Wednesday.
“My father passed away today resting peacefully at home. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers over the last couple months! He was successful, but more important he was Significant,” he said on X.
The news of the legendary coach’s death comes months after Holtz reportedly entered hospice care.
Born on Jan. 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz became one of the most known figures in college sports. His career spanned over five decades and he helped lead college programs at William & Mary, North Carolina State University, University of Arkansas, University of Minnesota, University of Notre Dame and University of South Carolina.
The 89-year-old coach held the reigns of the Fighting Irish football team from 1986 until 1996, recording 100 wins — the third most in school history. Holtz initially retired from coaching following the 1996 season, but he put the headset back on in 1999 to take over head coaching duties at South Carolina. Holtz retired for the second and final time following the 2004 season.
The diminutive coach captivated fans with his occasionally fiery sideline demeanor, his self-deprecating wit and folksy phrases all while demanding excellence, on and off the field, from his much larger players.
After retiring from coaching, Holtz worked in television, including more than a decade with ESPN.
As a college football head coach, Holtz won 12 bowl games during his tenure from 1969 to 2004. He won the 1972 Peach Bowl and 1973 Liberty Bowl as head coach at North Carolina. While serving as head coach for Arkansas between 1977 and 1983, Holtz’s teams won the 1977 Orange Bowl, 1980 Hall of Fame Classic and 1982 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.
Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
In 2020, Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Holtz is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
