The legendary football coach of Notre Dame — among other schools — died at the age of 89 in Orlando, his family announced Wednesday. Following his coaching career, Holtz became an ESPN commentator and also increasingly shared his conservative political views at speaking engagements and appearances. A cause of death was not indicated, but he had been in hospice since late January.

He coached the Fighting Irish to an undefeated 12-0 season and the national title in 1988, and became known as a master of rebuilding programs at stops in William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina. 

Notre Dame released a statement expressing their appreciation for him and sending their condolences to his family:

From the family of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/aYWiXYVnLq

— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) March 4, 2026

They wrote, in part:

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...

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.

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Holtz had an impressive record of 249-132-7 as head coach at six schools. He also tried the NFL for one year with the New York Jets, but didn’t enjoy his experience there, and famously said following his retirement from the team in 1976: “God did not put Lou Holtz on this earth to coach in the pros."

It was far from his only great line:

“We finished second in the country at Notre Dame and everyone called me an idiot. A guy finishes last in medical school they call him a doctor. That doesn’t seem fair but that’s life.”
-Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/6C42WPTwIZ

— Bruce Straughan (@bruce_straughan) February 9, 2026

Among his many famous quotes, he once said, “It’s not complicated. It’s a few simple rules: just do what’s right, do the best you can, and show people you care.”

Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, and Donald Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.  Known for his emphasis on discipline, accountability, and faith, was a strong Trump supporter and wasn’t shy about talking about it, which of course angered his liberal fans. 

BREAKING: Former South Carolina coach Lou Holtz is awarded Medal of Freedom by President Trump in the oval office. @abc_columbia pic.twitter.com/s3o9QZ34E1

— Mike Gillespie (@MikeAGillespie) December 3, 2020

He posted this after Trump and Vice President JD Vance reminded Volodymyr Zelensky who he was talking to in that February 2025 infamous Oval Office meeting.

It’s moments like these that remind us of what real leadership looks like.

Proud of @realDonaldTrump & @JDVance for always putting America first. https://t.co/7ffhRYAWHa

— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 1, 2025

The Ukrainian president has been notably more respectful when talking to American leadership ever since.

REMEMBER? After Fiery Oval Office Exchange, Trump Sends Zelensky Packing

Although Holtz’s record of achievement will be remembered, he was self-deprecating and humorous about his mortality, writing in his book Wins and Losses, "When I die and people realize that I will not be resurrected in three days, they will forget me. That is the way it should be." 

Holtz is survived by his four children, Luanne, Skip, Kevin and Elizabeth. RIP.

Remembering the life and legacy of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/8WiEtVr6fT

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 4, 2026

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