'Inappropriate' Joke About Lou Holtz's Death Faces Immediate Blowback

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'Inappropriate' Joke About Lou Holtz's Death Faces Immediate Blowback

An “inappropriate” joke about Lou Holtz’s death is facing immediate blowback on social media on Wednesday.

Holtz, 89, died surrounded by family in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday. He had been battling some health issues for a while. Holtz, who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988, was both an iconic college football coach and later, a top analyst for ESPN.

“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 announced on X.

The former Notre Dame coach publicly battled with Ohio State’s Ryan Day in 2023. Holtz accused Day’s Buckeyes teams of being too soft to compete against Michigan, Alabama and others. After Ohio State beat Notre Dame to open the 2023 season, Day pushed back, publicly calling out Holtz.

“I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now,” Day said in 2023. “What he said about our team, I cannot believe. This is a tough team right here. We’re proud to be Ohio. It’s always been Ohio against the world, and it’ll continue to be Ohio against the world.”

In 2025, the Buckeyes head coach was asked if he had spoken to Holtz recently. Day succinctly responded, “No.”

GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 10: ESPN reporter Lou Holtz looks on during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Getty Images.

In the wake of Holtz’s death, the X account for the popular Barstool Sports podcast, “Pardon My Take” – often ranked the No. 1 sports podcast in the world – posted a joke about Holtz’s passing, making it seem like Day would be happy to hear about the news.

“Ryan Day right now,” the account, which has 1 million followers, shared on X, along with a photo of a man celebrating at a funeral.

The ‘joke’ received immediate blowback

College football fans are calling out the podcast account for making an “inappropriate” joke about Holtz’s death.

“Body still warm guys,” one fan wrote.

“Too soon, man,” one fan added.

“Here to see if this gets deleted,” another fan wrote.

“Sheesh,” one fan added.

Social media is always going to take risks, but this one is facing immediate blowback online on Wednesday afternoon.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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