Legendary football coach Lou Holtz, a national champion with the fabled Notre Dame program, passed away at the age of 89, his family reported on Tuesday, March 4th. Holtz is being remembered for both his massive contribution to the sport as a coach and later an analyst, but also a humble family man.
“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,” a post written by surviving family members stated on his official X page.
“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,” the post continued.
“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,” it finished.
Reacting to the news, Florida governor Ron DeSantis recognized Holtz as a great football coach, great American, and above all else, a disciple of God. “Lou Holtz was not only a great football coach; he was a great American and a faithful servant of God,” DeSantis responded to the abrupt news.
“I was happy to be friends with Coach Holtz over the years.I learned that it was a bad idea to speak after him at an event because he was such an inspirational and motivational speaker. He was truly one of a kind. Florida lost a great resident, but Heaven no doubt gained a new one,” DeSantis said.
Joining in the chorus of condolences was neighboring Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. ‘It was an honor to spend time with Lou Holtz on the campaign trail for President Trump. He loved our President, loved the Arkansas Razorbacks – and most importantly, loved our country. Rest in Peace, Coach,” she wrote on X as well.
Holtz will clearly be remembered for his lifelong pursuit of excellence on college athletics, though in later years he became equally passionate about saving America from political chaos. He endorsed President Donald Trump following both his faith and patriotism.
In one particularly funny moment, Holtz leaned on both his knowledge of sports and involvement in political commentary to break down the ridiculous sidebar between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in their lone 2024 presidential debate. In that moment, the two would-be world leaders argued about their respective golf games.
“Well, the one thing I’ve learned, don’t let your mouth write a check your body can’t cash. I have played golf with President Trump. I’ve never played with President Biden, but I want to tell you, President Trump can play we’re playing it. Of course. He played the back tees with the pros. Graham McDowell was one of the three pros we had. I played the front tees. It was 457 yards. President Trump was my partner. 457 yards. He has an 18 foot birdie putt. I mean, you got to be a good golfer and do that. I would just trust President Trump, because he tells me something. I believe in it. The other one, not so much this,” Holtz said.
Watch that funny breakdown below:
Featured image: The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons