Legendary College Football Coach Lou Holtz Dies at 89
Lou Holtz, a legendary figure in college football, has passed away at the age of 89. He was a prominent coach known for leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a National Championship in 1988. His family shared the news of his condition in January, announcing he had entered hospice care.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio. He attended Kent State University, where he played as a linebacker.
Coaching Career Beginnings
Holtz began his coaching journey in 1960 as a graduate assistant at the University of Iowa. His coaching career included positions at William & Mary, the University of Connecticut, South Carolina, and Ohio State.
First Head Coaching Role
- In 1969, Holtz became the head coach at William & Mary.
- In 1970, he led the team to a Southern Conference title.
Tenure at North Carolina State
Holtz was hired by North Carolina State in 1972, leading the Wolfpack for four seasons. His accomplishments include:
- Winning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title in 1973.
- Victory in both the Peach Bowl and Liberty Bowl.
Short Stint in the NFL
Following the 1975 season, Holtz took a head coaching position with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, this tenure was brief and challenging. He resigned with one game remaining, amid a disappointing record of 3-10.
Return to College Football
After his NFL experience, Holtz returned to college coaching in 1977 with the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Southwest Conference title. He was dismissed after the 1983 season, officially labeled as a resignation.
Long-term Success at Notre Dame
In 1985, Holtz took charge of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Over 11 seasons, he compiled a record of:
- 100 wins, 30 losses, and 2 ties.
- Five seasons with double-digit victories.
He led Notre Dame to a National Championship by defeating West Virginia 34-21 in 1988. This win marked the school’s first national championship since 1977.
Later Years and Final Retirement
Holtz stepped down from coaching in 1996 and transitioned to broadcasting with CBS, although he returned to coaching in 1999 at South Carolina. His 2000 and 2001 seasons featured remarkable recoveries, including:
- Both years ended with Outback Bowl victories.
He retired from coaching again in 2004, concluding his career with 249 wins, placing him 34th all-time among NCAA head coaches.
Legacy and Final Years
After leaving coaching, Holtz returned to broadcasting at ESPN until 2015. He remained active in political discussions, notably supporting Donald Trump and speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Holtz’s contributions to college football will be remembered as monumental.
