Trending Now - Lou Holtz Remembered Fondly Following His Passing at 89
WHO:
Lou Holtz, legendary college football coach
Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
Current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman
President Donald Trump
Holtz's family, including his son Skip Holtz
Prominent Republican lawmakers: Senators Tommy Tuberville, Todd Young, Tom Cotton, Lindsey Graham; Representatives Greg Murphy, David Rouzer, Erin Houchin, Steve Womack; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; Indiana Governor Mike Braun; U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon; Rudy Giuliani
ESPN's Rece Davis and Mark May
WHAT:
Lou Holtz passed away at the age of 89 on March 4, 2026
Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, achieving a record of 100 wins, 30 losses, and 2 ties
He led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 with a 12-0 record, culminating in a victory over West Virginia in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl
Holtz's overall coaching record was 249 wins, 132 losses, and 7 ties across 33 seasons
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008
Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in December 2020
He coached six different programs to bowl games, a first in NCAA history
Holtz's coaching career included stints at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina
WHERE:
Holtz died in Orlando, Florida
Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana
Various locations where he coached, including William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina
WHEN:
Born on January 6, 1937
Died on March 4, 2026
Coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on December 3, 2020
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008
WHY:
Holtz was known for his values of faith, family, service, and belief in the potential of others
He was a supporter of President Trump and spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention
HOW:
Holtz transformed Notre Dame's football program, leading to a national championship and a school-record 23 consecutive wins
He implemented traditions such as the "Play Like A Champion" sign and removed names from jerseys to emphasize team unity
Holtz was known for his motivational speaking and unique coaching methods, including strict discipline and high expectations for players
Lou Holtz, the legendary college football coach, passed away at the age of 89 on March 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. He is best remembered for his time coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996, where he achieved an impressive record of 100 wins, 30 losses, and 2 ties, culminating in a national championship in 1988. Holtz's overall coaching career spanned 33 seasons, during which he amassed 249 wins and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump in December 2020 and was known for his values of faith, family, and service. Holtz's impact on college football extended beyond wins, as he transformed Notre Dame's program and instilled a sense of unity and discipline among his players.