ESPN Host Praised For 'Classy' Move At Lou Holtz's Funeral

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ESPN Host Praised For 'Classy' Move At Lou Holtz's Funeral

Lou Holtz's family and friends laid the legendary Notre Dame football head coach to rest on Monday, March 16.

The national title-winning head coach passed away earlier this month. Holtz, best known for his time as Notre Dame's head coach and later as an ESPN college football analyst, died on March 4 in Orlando, Florida. He was 89 years old.

On Monday, Holtz's funeral took place, at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. It was a cold, snowy day in South Bend.

Holtz's longtime ESPN coworker, Rece Davis, made the trip with his wife. Davis was spotted braving the elements and walking around Notre Dame's campus in honor of the legendary Fighting Irish head coach.

College football fans loved to see that Davis showed up for his former coworker and friend, even on a snowy day.

"He’s a class act, honoring the master of class, dignity, and kindness!" one fan wrote.

"1st class Rece," one fan added. "Like Coach Holtz himself."

"Wow. That pulled at the heart strings," one fan added.

"Rece is genuine," one fan added.

Jan 10, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Two time Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year recipient Lou Holtz speaks during Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year press conference at Renaissance Hotel Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.

Lou Holtz's family release statement on his death

"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, 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 was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service," his family wrote. 

"Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and two great‑grandchildren. Funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, will be announced as details are finalized."

May he rest in peace.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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