LEGENDARY college football coach Lou Holtz has died at the age of 89.

Holtz died on Wednesday after reports that the iconic Notre Dame coach was in hospice care.Close-up of a man in glasses and a light blue tie wearing a "Discover Orange Bowl" lanyard.
Holtz watches the action between Stanford and Virginia Tech during the 2011 Orange BowlCredit: Getty Images
 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players and a coach on the field.
Holtz with his Fighting Irish playersCredit: Getty Images
The news of Holtz’s passing was revealed by his family.

The 89-year-old died surrounded by his family in Orlando, Florida.

Notre Dame also announced the passing of their former coach.

“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,” Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd said in a news release.

“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… Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed.”

Holtz was reportedly in hospice for months.

He was a head coach at six different schools and even coached the New York Jets.

But Holtz is most known for his tenure at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996 as the Fighting Irish went 100-30-2 under his tutelage.

And he helped Notre Dame go 12-0 in 1998 and finish the season at No. 1 in both the AP Top 25 and the coaches poll after a Fiesta Bowl win.

It was the first national title for the Irish in 11 years.

Fans paid tribute to Holtz on social media.

“Rest in peace, Coach Holtz. A true legend who brought faith, heart, and that unforgettable 1988 title to Notre Dame. You inspired generations—thank you for everything,” one wrote on X.

“Prayers to the Holtz family he will be missed dearly,” another commented.

“Prayers to all his family. He will be sorely missed,” a third said.

After retiring from coaching college football, Holtz became a star TV analyst.

He worked for more than a decade with ESPN.

In 2008, Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Holtz returned to Notre Dame’s campus during the 2025 season and presented the colors for the national anthem before the school’s game against Texas A&M.

He is survived by his four children, Luanne, Lou ‘Skip’ Junio, Kevin, and Elizabeth.

New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers
Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish football coach Lou Holtz looks on before a spring training game in 2016Credit: Getty
 

Lou Holtz in a Notre Dame Fighting Irish cap and jacket.
Holtz looks on during a game against the USC TrojansCredit: Getty Images