Lou Holtz dies: College football reacts to death of former Notre Dame coach
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The college football world lost a big part of its history with the death of legendary football coach Lou Holtz.
The football icon was 89 years old.
“Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics. Over a remarkable five‑decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish,” Holtz’s family said in a statement on his personal X account (formerly Twitter).
“Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.”
Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia,…
— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026
Holtz began his coaching career at William & Mary in 1969, before moving on to North Carolina State for the 1972 season. He is most remembered for his time at Arkansas and Notre Dame, and even spent a year in the NFL with the New York Jets across his legendary career. He was also a staple as a college football commentator following his coaching career.
In 1988, Holtz led the Fighting Irish on a national championship run, as they went a perfect 12-0 on the season. Notre Dame had four top-10 wins on the season, including vs. No. 9 Michigan (19-17); vs. No. 1 Miami (31-30); at No. 2 USC (27-10); and vs. No. 3 West Virginia, 34-21, in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl.
He finished with a career record of 249-132-7 in 33 seasons as a college football coach. Holtz recorded 100 of his wins at Notre Dame, as he finished with a 100-30-2 record for a winning percentage of .765 with the Irish, who won five New Year’s Six bowl games under him.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz. Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement shared by the program. “… Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the field.”
College football world sends tributes to Lou Holtz
Here’s a snippet of tributes that are pouring in from those within the college football world on the passing of Holtz:
Remembering the life and legacy of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/8WiEtVr6fT
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 4, 2026
From the family of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/aYWiXYVnLq
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) March 4, 2026
Head Coach Marcus Freeman’s statement on the passing of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/q7WwLVwoSX
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 4, 2026
Lou Holtz was the rare example of an icon to different generations for different reasons.
My dad knew him as the man that returned Notre Dame to the head table. I knew him as the cornerstone of the greatest CFB studio show ever produced.
Rest in peace Coach 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4vp3cwfMhf
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) March 4, 2026
Today’s kids don’t understand how big of a deal Lou Holtz and Mark May debating at midnight to Rece Davis in judge robes was to my generation. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/uayykIxGtJ
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 4, 2026
Had the chance to emcee one of Lou Holtz’s final public appearances, at the Orlando TD Club, last November. He and Lee Corso told epic stories, and Lou was as sharp and funny as ever. He knew he didn’t have much time left, but that didn’t stop him from filling the room with joy. pic.twitter.com/EaXBfcUi0U
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) March 4, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/DD76EMLphH
— Skip Holtz (@CoachSHoltz) March 4, 2026
This story is now more than 25 years old and I have told it more times than I can count, but it hits very differently today.
I was anchoring SportsCenter one afternoon and Lou Holtz was on the show. I was quite excited to talk with him, he had been an icon all of my life.
He… pic.twitter.com/M3OaeDVd88
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 4, 2026
Whether you loved him or hated him, Lou Holtz is one of the most iconic figures in college football history.
Led Notre Dame to the 1988 national title, brought South Carolina football back from the dead and was instant entertainment fighting with Mark May on “College Football… pic.twitter.com/fbIykf5L8p
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) March 4, 2026
Gamecock Nation mourns the passing of former football coach Lou Holtz.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the many lives he impacted throughout his career ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ot0X7Rs4N1
— South Carolina Gamecocks (@GamecocksOnline) March 4, 2026
Rest in peace, Lou Holtz. One of the best football coaches to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/HfcOCFZD3M
— HOMAGE (@HOMAGE) March 4, 2026
RIP Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/Jxy4vBxet7
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 4, 2026
RIP Lou Holtz.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 4, 2026
Probably the only guy in the last 15 years who could wear blue in the Woody Hayes and get away with it. Was recruited by Lou, played against him, played for him, got to have a few meals with him & great conversations. A finer man you will never meet. #RIPLouHoltzpic.twitter.com/aNaZnhbNgw
— Matt Finkes (@MattFinkes) March 4, 2026
Coach Lou Holtz was a legend on and off the field, who cared deeply for the state of Indiana and lived a remarkable life grounded in faith, family, and giving back. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/BPy5XSiaJ8
— Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) March 4, 2026
The word “Icon” sometimes gets thrown around… Lou Holtz was a genuine icon. I had the privilege of covering him when he was a coach and working alongside him at @CBSSports. He was one of a kind. RIP, Coach. You earned it. https://t.co/RVZmtH29Dk
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) March 4, 2026
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lou Holtz dies: College football reacts to death of former Notre Dame coach
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