Legendary College Football Coach Dies At 89

on Mar 04, 2026

Lou Holtz Dies At 89 (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Famous College Football Coach Dies At 89

Legendary college football coach, Lou Holtz, has passed away at the age of 89. Holtz coached for 33 years.

Holtz was best known for his tenure at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, where he led the Fighting Irish to a National Championship in 1988. He also coached at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina, leaving a remarkable legacy at each program.

After retiring from coaching, Holtz became a prominent college football analyst for ESPN and a motivational speaker.

Oh at some point I think we all knew we’d be lucky to hold on to Lou and legends like him much longer. So many we’ve looked up to and many I had the honor and privilege of not only covering, but working alongside eventually head to their next life of eternal glory. ✝️🙏🙏My… https://t.co/bLdvwvtw4I pic.twitter.com/2Mfpl8a8aa
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) January 30, 2026

Holtz was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump over the years, posting in 2024 that he “need[ed] to coach America back to greatness!”

He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump in 2020, and was a speaker at the Republican National Convention.

Holtz referred to Trump as the “greatest President of my lifetime.”

Lou Holtz Life Beyond Coaching Football

Holtz was also the host of The Lou Holtz Show is a semi-monthly podcast, produced by the America First Policy Institute. It focused on inspiring, rebuilding American culture, and promoting values such as hard work, faith, and responsibility.

“I don’t care if you’re Republican, Democrat, Independent, white, black, yellow, or any color in between. This show is to inspire people to do the right thing. Each episode of my show will feature a unique guest who has had a remarkable influence on American culture,” the podcast’s website states.

The 89 year old was a devout Catholic and often shared of his faith in Jesus Christ.

Lou Holtz Son Provides Update On His Condition Shortly Before His Death

On January 31, Holtz’ family gave on update on the former coach’s condition.

“The Holtz family, Luanne Altenbaumer, Skip Holtz, Liz Holtz Messaglia, share the difficult news that our father, Coach Lou Holtz, is presently facing a health challenge,“ his son, Kevin Holtz, posted on Facebook. ”While this is a challenging time, our focus is on maintaining his comfort, quality of life and care in his Orlando home.

While he did not give specifics, he shared the family was focused on cherishing each and every day.

“As family has always been the highest importance to Coach, we are holding to each other and focusing on making every moment and day count. The whole family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support but ask for privacy as we navigate this journey. Psalm 41:3.″

Remembering Lou Holtz

On Wednesday (March 4), Notre Dame football released a statement from Holtz’ family, sharing he died at his home in Orlando, Florida.

“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,” the statement said. “Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics.”

Holtz is survived by his four children, Luanne, Skip, Kevin, and Elizabeth, along with his nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

You can read the full statement below.