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
I don’t know how any non-Dodgers fan sits there and watches this and doesn’t think a salary cap is immediately needed. It’s the only major sport without one
Non-baseball fans think the league is a joke. A lot of baseball fans probably aren’t far behind
I want to thank my family and my team for their continued support throughout every step of my professional career. When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the @PGATOUR, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA TOUR. Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me.
I believe in where the PGA TOUR is headed with new leadership, new investors, and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake. I also understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those.
Finally, I want to thank the fans. Your support means more to me today than ever before, and I look forward to seeing you soon at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open.
If Shula ain’t fired tomorrow I won’t watch another second this season. It’ll be the biggest sign that Beamer has checked out too if he doesn’t.
*my dumbass will be right back in front of the tv next week watching this shit regardless because I hate myself. But you get my point
.@MrsErikaKirk just shared this on her IG 🥺🙏🏼
“You loved witnessing excellence.
It's why you loved sports so much. You loved watching the best of the best perform at the level of greatness God intended for them.
When we first started dating, we went to the basketball court to shoot around. I loved seeing you in that element because time was irrelevant. It was just us, the sound of sneakers squeaking and jump shots. We bonded over how Jordan was the GOAT and you told me about your basketball days in high school and I told you about my basketball days in college. Just two athletes escaping the demands of the world for a minute.
I remember seeing on your wrist a red bracelet. You never took it off, it said "work harder, be better." And everyday you did just that. Years later, one day after an event on campus a student asked you about your bracelet, and you gave it to them. I have no idea who that student was or where they are today, but l have no doubt they're working harder and being better, because you set the tone.
This is one of the last photos taken of you before you were murdered. I look at it and can't help but see excellence. You're in your element. You're in athlete mode. Training for this exact moment, mind, body, and soul. To me, this is your "Jordan" photo. Permanently etched in time, held in my heart, as I admire your greatness. Forever.
I pray you've had the most amazing week in Heaven @charliekirk11 I love you.”
I still don’t think people get it.
Charlie Kirk gave up his life working to save our country — literally.
Charlie was instrumental in re-electing President Trump & — w/o him — he wouldn’t have a Republican Congress, either.
I hope you’re all inspired to take positive action.
It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Charlie Kirk.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and strength in the cherished memories you hold.
Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk. You will be missed. 🕊️
This pic is from several years back we bumped into him at the San Antonio airport.
Before tonight's game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk founded the youth activist group “Turning Point USA” and had become a fixture on college campuses. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old.
I didn’t talk much about politics with @charliekirk11, we talked about college football. He was a monster Oregon Ducks fan, loved them, built his events around their game times. I hope you let the team know @CoachDanLanning and I hope you guys do something to honor him.