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
This is why HOW you lost DOES matter.
People will tell you “a loss is a loss” - that’s crap.
When you’re ranking teams and have to split hairs between teams with similar records, you have to take into consideration how the look on the field.
Notre Dame never once didn’t look like a playoff team, even in its losses.
Bama did not look like a playoff team against a bad FSU team, a mediocre Auburn team, a mediocre Mizzou team, a mediocre South Carolina team, and in the SECCG against Georgia.
They got flat out embarrassed against IU.
Alabama’s and the SEC’s brand bias needs to have died yesterday until proven otherwise.
A person with direct knowledge of the communications between the Big Ten conference office and schools confirmed to @NBCSports that all 18 schools received the full language of the CFP MOU, which was unanimously supported by all current and incoming members in March 2024.
There wasn’t any logic waiting to move UM ahead of ND if Conf championship game outcomes are inconsequential. If Head to head was a factor, you had it all year. This isn’t a serious committee. It’s a made for TV event. Expand and get rid of the committee. BCS was a better formula. For ND, you now know 11-1 is the worst you can do to secure a spot in this current playoff format.
Jon Gruden saw Notre Dame in person vs. Pitt and came away highly impressed.
“They’re a different looking team than just about anybody else…They could win it all…You better watch out for the Fighting Irish.”
@BFW agrees with @BarstoolGruden, too.
(via @mostlysports)