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.
The Holtz Family
@PghPennStateDad@coachebrauer28 If you look at both teams’ records vs. Top 10 teams in the past ten years, or even the past 3 years, and think Penn State is elite and ND is not, Penn State is the one with the ego problem.
@RickMirer An uneducated take based upon lifetime hate for ND. Good. Add him to the list. All I know is, I wouldn’t want to be Wisconsin on Sept 6, 2026. ND ‘95. #goirish
The argument that BYU getting crushed put Miami next to @NDFootball in the standings, which makes head to head matter, makes no sense. BYU losing didn't make Miami a better team! If Miami was better than ND, they should have been ranked above them already. #farce
@Giants just embarrassing. I’ve loved this team for 50 years and now there’s no clue and no leadership. Your best defensive rookie is on the bench. Why? Is he being punished? If your coaches can’t get a rookie to respect them and do what’s required, that’s on you. Bush league.
I’d like to congratulate @RyderCupEurope on their victory. Your team play the first few days was sensational.
More importantly, I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage.
As a former player, Captain and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened. #RyderCup
Data No-No’s
1) Morikawa/English in foursomes
2) Scottie on the evens
3) NOT putting in 2 of your best ball strikers even though they’re rookies. Spaun and Griffin.
@ArronOberholser My problem with the Ryder Cup for the US is they pick guys based on stroke play over 2 years. I would pick guys who excel in match play. Like Brooks, DJ, and Pat Reed. Plus I'd consider BHorschel who's a bulldog. I'd dump Henley, Morikowa, Sam burns, and keep Cantley.