Renowned Hall of Fame coach, Lou Holtz, credited with securing Notre Dame’s most recent football national title, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89.
For several months, Holtz had reportedly been receiving hospice care. His passing occurred on Wednesday, with his family by his side, in Orlando, Florida.
“Notre Dame expresses deep sorrow at the passing of Lou Holtz, an iconic football coach, a cherished figure within the Notre Dame community, and a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather,” stated Rev. Robert A Dowd, Notre Dame’s president, in a partial declaration. “Beyond his numerous achievements, he will primarily be remembered as an educator, guide, and inspirer who cultivated excellence in his athletes, both during games and in their personal lives, thus earning their lasting esteem and respect.”
Holtz served as a head coach for six distinct educational institutions, and also held a one-season position as coach for the New York Jets. His period at Notre Dame, spanning from 1986 to 1996, is particularly renowned, during which the Fighting Irish achieved a record of 100-30-2 under his guidance.
In 1988, Notre Dame completed a perfect 12-0 season, securing the top spot in both the AP Top 25 and coaches poll following their triumph in the Fiesta Bowl. This marked the Irish’s initial national championship in 11 years, succeeding four titles claimed throughout the 1960s and 1970s. No subsequent championships have been achieved by the Irish since that victory.
During that season, the Irish defense yielded a mere 11.2 points per game and famously overcame Miami with a 31-30 score on October 15. The Hurricanes, then ranked No. 1, faced Notre Dame, which was ranked No. 4. Notre Dame’s victory ended Miami’s 36-game winning streak and elevated them to the No. 2 position in the AP Top 25. This triumph stands as one of college football’s most memorable contests.
That national championship was secured by the Irish through a 34-21 victory against West Virginia. As of thirty-seven years subsequent, this title continues to be Notre Dame’s last football championship.
Following the 1996 season, Holtz departed Notre Dame, subsequently accepting a position at South Carolina in 1999. He revitalized the Gamecocks’ team, which had suffered an 0-11 record in his initial year, leading them to 8-4 in 2000 and 9-3 in 2001. After three consecutive seasons with losing records, Holtz concluded his coaching career. A contentious altercation against Clemson overshadowed his concluding game at South Carolina, resulting in both teams forfeiting bowl appearances as a disciplinary measure for the incident.
Prior to Notre Dame
Holtz initiated his journey as a head coach at William & Mary, dedicating three seasons to the Tribe before his recruitment by NC State. He compiled a 33-12-3 record with the Wolfpack prior to his engagement by the Jets preceding the 1976 season.
His tenure in the National Football League was brief. The Jets held a 3-10 standing when Holtz stepped down, with one game remaining in the regular season.
Holtz promptly returned to collegiate athletics, being appointed by Arkansas before the 1977 season, succeeding long-serving coach Frank Broyles. The Razorbacks achieved an 11-1 record in Holtz’s inaugural season and triumphed in the Cotton Bowl. Arkansas again secured 10 wins in 1979, and Holtz concluded his period with the Razorbacks with a 60-21-2 record upon his dismissal after the 1983 season.
Subsequently, Holtz endured two unremarkable seasons coaching at Minnesota before accepting the position at Notre Dame. The Gophers’ performance during these two years resulted in a 10-12 record.
His overall college coaching career concluded with an impressive 249-132-7 record. He holds the distinction of being third in total victories for both Notre Dame and Arkansas.
Admission to the College Football Hall of Fame was granted to him in 2008.
Career after Coaching
A significant number of younger college football enthusiasts recognize Holtz from his tenure at ESPN, where he served as a studio commentator for their collegiate football broadcasts. He departed ESPN in 2015.
Beyond his coaching roles, Holtz engaged in political activities, continuing even after his coaching days concluded. While at Arkansas, he created campaign commercials for North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms.
Despite considering a political career for himself, Holtz never formally pursued public office as a Republican, although he maintained involvement in Republican Party affairs. He delivered a speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention and offered a critical observation regarding President Joe Biden’s Catholic faith. This particular remark prompted Notre Dame to distance itself from Holtz’s statement.
President Donald Trump bestowed upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom on December 3, 2020.
