Legendary coach Lou Holtz dies at 89

Field Level Media|published: Wed 4th March, 17:38 2026

Oct 7, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Former North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Lou Holtz is honored along with his 1973 football team during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Famed college football coach Lou Holtz, who won the 1988 national title at Notre Dame, died Wednesday at 89, his family said.

Holtz died in Orlando, Fla., while surrounded by family members.

The College Football Hall of Famer is best known for his 11-season run at Notre Dame from 1986-96. He coached five other programs and also had a disastrous 13-game stint with the NFL's New York Jets in 1976.

Holtz began his coaching career in 1969 at William & Mary and also coached North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Carolina, compiling a career record of 249-132-7 in 33 seasons.

Holtz went 10-12 in a two-year run at Minnesota (1984-85) before landing the Notre Dame job.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz. Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together," current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement. "... Lou's impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the field."

As his reputation improved, 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 wrapped up the season by beating West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

In 1989, Notre Dame (12-1) finished second in the final rankings.

The Irish (11-1) also were second in 1993.

Holtz went 100-30-2 in South Bend before resigning following the 1996 season.

Holtz also served as a television analyst for ESPN.

--Field Level Media