Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame head football coach from 1986-1996, has reportedly entered hospice care. After rumors began circulating across message boards over the weekend, multiple beat writers covering Arkansas and Notre Dame football began reporting the news on Thursday evening.
Holtz, 89, has had numerous health concerns spanning recent years. After suffering leg injuries in a car accident last winter, Holtz stated he would be “dragging his body along” to support the Irish in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Ohio State. He also made an appearance at September‘s showdown between the Irish and the Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas, although he had to be assisted as he was honored in the media room and on the field prior to the game.
Although the news has yet to be confirmed by national college football media, Kyle Sutherland, publisher of HawgBeat for On3 and Rivals, tweeted at 2:38 p.m. on Jan. 29 that he was able to confirm the reports.
The Follansbee, West Virginia, native enjoyed a two-year playing career at Kent State before embarking into the coaching profession at age 23 in 1960. Holtz earned his first head coaching job with William & Mary in 1969, eventually jumping to the professional ranks in 1976 to lead the New York Jets. He became a household name at Arkansas, where he won 60 games in seven seasons en route to four top-10 finishes and an Orange Bowl victory.
After a two-year stint at Minnesota, Holtz was hired in 1986 to rebuild the storied Notre Dame football program. A lifelong practicing Catholic, Holtz had a clause in his Minnesota contract that allowed him to leave for what he called his dream job in South Bend.
Holtz’s disciplinary nature, revere for the position and unique personality quickly endeared him to the Irish faithful. In just his third season, he led the legendary 1988 squad over rival Miami in mid-October before winning the Fiesta Bowl to finish undefeated and claim the program’s first national title since 1977. Holtz would author four more 10-win campaigns before stepping down with exactly 100 wins at the conclusion of the 1996 season.
He would return to coach South Carolina for six season before retiring permanently in 2004. In his retirement, Holtz and his wife, Beth, have been active in philanthropic causes. His foundation, Holtz’s Heroes, has the mission of supporting former student-athletes facing financial, physical or mental hardships. The nonprofit also provide scholarship aid to deserving youth and serves communities in need through charitable work. Holtz’s family also endowed The Beth and Lou Holtz Family Grand Reading Room on the first and second floors of Hesburgh Library on Notre Dame’s campus.
The University of Notre Dame and the Department of Athletics have yet to release an official statement on the development.
