College football icon and former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz has entered hospice care, as confirmed by a family member to ABC57 in Indiana.
At 89 years old, Holtz is well-remembered for his tenure at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, where he guided the team to a national championship. He also gained fame as a college football analyst on ESPN.
Earlier in his career, Holtz spent a short stint coaching the Jets during the 1967 season. He has earned a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
In light of the news, FOX Sports’ Tim Brand shared a heartfelt message on social media, acknowledging the impact Holtz has had on college football. “I think we all knew we were fortunate to have Lou and legends like him with us for as long as we did. Many of those we admired are moving on to their next chapter,” he reflected.
He also expressed condolences, particularly for Holtz’s family and friends. “His beloved wife Beth is waiting for him. Coach Holtz will always be a national treasure,” he remarked.
Holtz has been a prominent figure in college football throughout his extensive coaching career. Before becoming a head coach, he played at Kent State starting in 1960. His first head coaching role came at William & Mary in 1969.
After establishing himself at North Carolina State for four seasons, he attempted the NFL with the Jets, but things didn’t go as planned, and he was later re-signed.
Reflecting on his brief NFL experience, Holtz said, “I was not made for pro football.” Yet, he returned to college football, spending seven years at the University of Arkansas and then two years at the University of Minnesota.
He finally anchored himself at Notre Dame in 1986, achieving an impressive record of 100-30-2 during his 11 years there, capped with a national title in 1988, marking the last championship for the Fighting Irish.
Holtz left Notre Dame post-1996 and continued as a broadcaster until his final coaching position at South Carolina, which ended in 2004.
His career record stands at 249 wins, 132 losses, and 7 ties, including a bowl game record of 12-8-2.
After retiring from coaching, Holtz returned to the media, working with CBS and ESPN until 2015.
