Trending Now - Former Jets Coach Lou Holtz Passes Away at 89
WHO:
Lou Holtz, college football coach
Kam Buckner, Democratic Representative from Illinois
Urban Meyer and Irv Smith, college football icons
Donald Trump, U.S. President
Keith Olbermann, former broadcast journalist
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota
Cory Booker, Senator from New Jersey
Colin Allred, Representative from Texas
WHAT:
Lou Holtz passed away at the age of 89.
Holtz was hired as head coach of the New York Jets on February 10, 1976.
He had a coaching record of 249 wins, 132 losses, and 7 ties.
Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump on December 3, 2020.
Holtz led six different football programs to bowl games, a first in NCAA history.
WHERE:
Holtz died in Orlando, Florida.
He coached at various institutions including William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina.
WHEN:
Holtz was born on January 6, 1937.
He coached the Jets in 1976, finishing with a record of 3-10.
He won the National Championship with Notre Dame in 1988.
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on December 3, 2020.
Holtz's death was reported on March 2, 2026.
WHY:
Holtz's family stated he passed away surrounded by family.
He was known for his commitment to coaching and his belief in the importance of faith and community service.
HOW:
Holtz was recognized for his motivational skills and storytelling ability.
He established Holtz's Heroes, a charitable foundation to support former student-athletes and communities in need.
QUOTES:
"I have great confidence in myself," Holtz said at his introductory press conference.
"I can't give professional football my heart," Holtz stated regarding his time with the Jets.
"Everybody needs four things in life: Something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in and something to hope for," Holtz expressed.
"It’s the highest honor or award you could possibly receive, and I receive it with mixed emotions," Holtz said about the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Lou Holtz, the legendary college football coach, passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family, with his death reported last Wednesday. Known for his remarkable coaching career, Holtz led six different programs to bowl games, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2020. Holtz's legacy includes a coaching record of 249 wins, 132 losses, and 7 ties, and he famously stated, "Everybody needs four things in life: Something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in and something to hope for."