Lou Holtz, who rose to fame as a college football coach and analyst for ESPN, has died, the University of Notre Dame announced Wednesday. He was 89 years old.
Holtz was admitted to hospice last January.
more: Legendary college football coach, analyst enters hospice care: Report
“Louis Leo ‘Lou'” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, best-selling author and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, passed away at age 89 in Orlando, Fla., with his family by his side,” the release reads. “Born in Follansby, West Virginia, on Jan. 6, 1937, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics.
“Over a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years, 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 over 50 years, Beth, whose life was grounded in faith, devotion and service.”
Holtz’s 22 bowl game appearances ranks eighth in college football coaching history. During his 33 years as a head coach, he coached six teams to bowl appearances: Notre Dame, Arkansas, South Carolina, Minnesota, North Carolina State, and William & Mary.
Holtz coached the New York Jets to a 3-10 record in 1976, resigning with one game left in the season. Otherwise, he continued as a head coach in the college ranks from 1969 to 2004.
After retirement, Holtz worked as an analyst for ESPN from 2005 to 2015. He also worked as an analyst for CBS Sports after retiring from Notre Dame in 1996, returning after a three-year absence to coach at the University of South Carolina for six seasons.
In 2020, Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Most recently, Holtz served as honorary captain ahead of the game between Arkansas and Notre Dame, which the Irish won.
Last November, Holtz gave his “final public speech” at a charity golf tournament named after him.
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