October 7, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Former North Carolina Wolfpack coach Lou Holtz was honored with the 1973 football team during halftime at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Image Lou Holtz, the famed college football coach who won a national title at Notre Dame in 1988, died Wednesday at age 89, his family said.
Holtz died surrounded by his family in Orlando, Florida.
The College Football Hall of Famer is best known for his 11 seasons at Notre Dame from 1986-96. He coached five different programs and had a disastrous 13-game stretch with the NFL’s New York Jets in 1976.
Holtz began his coaching career at William & Mary in 1969 and also coached at North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Carolina, compiling a career record of 249 wins, 132 wins and 7 losses over 33 seasons.
Holtz went 10-12 in two years at Minnesota (1984-85) before joining Notre Dame.
Current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement, “I was very saddened to hear the news of Lou Holtz’s passing. Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He immediately welcomed me into the Notre Dame family and provided great support throughout our time together.” “… Lou’s influence at Notre Dame went far beyond the field.”
As his reputation grew, his popularity soared and Holtz restored the Fighting Irish from a mediocre program back to the national elite.
In his third season, Holtz went 12-0 and won the national title. A memorable 31-30 upset of No. 1 Miami opened the door, and Notre Dame closed out the season with a win over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.
In 1989, Notre Dame (12-1) finished second in the final rankings.
Also in 1993, the Irish (11-1) finished second.
Holtz went 100-30-2 in South Bend before resigning after the 1996 season.
Holtz also served as a television analyst for ESPN.
–Field level media
