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By Mallory Mattingly
Lou Holtz, one of the most legendary football coaches in history, died last week. He was 89.
Holtz went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 4. He was surrounded by family in Orlando, Florida, and he leaves behind a legacy marked by faith, athletic achievements and community outreach.
“Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletic,” a post on X shared. “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 post concluded.
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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,…
— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026
As a collegiate head coach, Holtz won 249 games, “with 100 of those victories earned at Notre Dame from 1986 through 1996. He led the Irish to the 1988 National Championship with a 12-0 record, capped by a victory over West Virginia in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl. The ’88 title season began a 64-9-1 (.871) run for Holtz at Notre Dame that included a 23-game win streak, back-to-back 12-win seasons for the first time in school history and a program record nine consecutive bowl game appearances,” Notre Dame said in a press release after Holtz’s death.
Even with an outstanding athletic career, Holtz’s faith stands out above anything else.
He once shared where true happiness comes from.
“Wanna be happy for an hour, eat a steak. Wanna be happy for a day, play golf. Wanna be happy for a week, go on a cruise. Wanna be happy for a lifetime, put your faith in Jesus Christ,” Holtz said, per Living Christian.
In addition to his faith, Holtz was an advocate for the community through charitable outreaches.
The “Holtz’s Heroes Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and extending the legacy of Love, Trust, and Commitment exemplified by Coach Lou Holtz and his players, coaches, and staff,” the website reads.
Please keep Holtz’s family and friends in your prayers as they mourn his death.
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