Lou Holtz, who led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988 and twice won coach of the year honors in college football, has died.
The school confirmed that Holtz passed away this week at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most consequential coaches in Notre Dame football history.
Holtz coached for 11 seasons with the Fighting Irish, posting a record of 100-30-2 in 132 games at the school.
During his time the Irish won five bowl games, including the 1988 Fiesta Bowl as they finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record and a national championship that cemented the program as one of the most important in modern college football.
“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather,” said University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd in a statement. “Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime.”
In addition to his coaching at Notre Dame, Holtz coached for seven seasons at Arkansas and six at South Carolina, winning back-to-back Outback Bowls in 2000 and 2001.
In 33 years as a head coach, Holtz posted a record of 249-132-7, winning 12 bowl games.
Holtz is survived by his four children.
