Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz passed away on Wednesday at 89.
Holtz had a storied career at the University of Notre Dame.
Holtz, who coached the Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996, won 100 games and led the team to a national title in 1988.
While his cause of death has not been disclosed, his family shared that he died surrounded by his family.
A statement from his family shared, “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.”
“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.”
Wesley Pritchett, who played for Holtz on the 1988 National Championship team, shared a beautiful conversation he had with the coach.
“This is Pure Gold. I had the pleasure of spending time with Coach Holtz. I wanted to hear him explain his Three Rules for Life! 1) Do what’s right – trust. 2) Do everything to the best of your ability- commitment. 3) Show people you care – love. It’s pretty simple. He goes on to highlight why the transfer portal is ruining college football. The kids are losing out on the life lessons learned- how to persevere, how to be committed to a program and a group of people. You miss out on the bonds you create over 4 years. If you leave, you still have the problem, you are changing the address. These are words to live by.”
This is Pure Gold. I had the pleasure of spending time with Coach Holtz. I wanted to hear him explain his Three Rules for Life! 1) Do what’s right – trust. 2) Do everything to the best of your ability- commitment. 3) Show people you care – love. It’s pretty simple. He goes on to… pic.twitter.com/heoABfxaMZ
— Wesley Pritchett (@wpritchett34) February 3, 2026
During the 2016 Presidential Election, Holtz endorsed Trump in the Republican primary season and released a video endorsement praising Trump’s business success, first-class style, and non-politically correct approach.
During the 2020 Presidential Election, Holtz was one of Trump’s most prominent celebrity backers and spoke at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on August 26, 2020, endorsing Trump’s re-election.
He called Trump a “consistent winner” and “outstanding leader” who “loves our country,” praised his accomplishments, criticized Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (labeling them “Catholics in name only” on abortion issues), and urged voters to “show up” for Trump.
In 2020, Trump awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.
Holtz thanked the President and called him “the greatest President during my lifetime.”
In September 2024, a video circulated of Holtz saying, “America needs Donald Trump now more than ever,” emphasizing that Trump would “secure the border,” succeed in making America great again, and needed voters’ help as part of a “team.”
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