Mike Greenberg Says Lou Holtz Gave Him 'Best Advice' He's Ever Gotten

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Mike Greenberg Says Lou Holtz Gave Him 'Best Advice' He's Ever Gotten

Just like many college football fans this week, ESPN anchor Mike Greenberg is mourning the loss of legendary coach Lou Holtz.

Holtz, who coached at Arkansas, Notre Dame and South Carolina during his career, entered hospice care in January. His family announced on March 4 that he passed away in Orlando, Florida.

"Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others," the family said. "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."

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 04: Former football coach Lou Holtz arrives for a news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on September 4, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Trump took questions on a variety of topics, including a recent magazine article in The Atlantic accusing him of making disparaging remarks about American soldiers. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)Drew Angerer/Getty Images

After this sad news was confirmed, Greenberg went on social media to share the "best advice" he ever received from Holtz.

"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," Greenberg wrote on social media. "He was very friendly, asking me all about myself as we walked toward the studio to record an interview. I told him: 'Actually, Coach, it’s quite exciting, my wife and I are expecting our first child in the next few weeks.'

"He stopped dead in his tracks and put a finger up near my face. And I’ll never forget what he said: 'Young man, the most important thing you can do for a child is make sure every day they know how much you love their mother.' And, just like that, he started walking again. Our daughter was born a month later, our son came two years after that. And I have thought about what Lou HOLTZ said to me that day about a million times since. RIP Coach, thanks for the best advice anyone ever gave me."

The legacy of Lou Holtz.

Holtz had a 249-132-7 record at the collegiate level. He was a two-time Paul "Bear" Bryant Award winner and won a national title in 1988.

After retiring from coaching, Holtz worked for CBS Sports and ESPN. By May 2008, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Although he's no longer with us, Holtz will always be remembered by football fans.

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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