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DeutschLou Holtz, who rose to fame as a college football coach before gaining fame as an analyst with ESPN, died Wednesday according to an announcement by the University of Notre Dame. He was 89.
Holtz was admitted into hospice in January.
MORE:Legendary college football coach, analyst enters hospice care: reports
“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,” the announcement read. “Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics.
“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’s 22 bowl game appearances rank eighth all-time in college football coaching history. He coached six different teams — Notre Dame, Arkansas, South Carolina, Minnesota, North Carolina State, and William & Mary — to bowl game appearances in his 33-year career as a head coach.
Holtz coached the New York Jets to a 3-10 record in 1976, resigning with one game left in the season. Otherwise he worked continuously as a head coach in the college ranks from 1969-2004.
After retiring from the sidelines, Holtz worked as an analyst for ESPN from 2005-15. He also worked as an analyst for CBS Sports after retiring from Notre Dame in 1996, only to return after three years to coach the University of South Carolina for another six seasons.
In 2020, Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. More recently, Holtz served as the honorary captain ahead of a game between Arkansas and Notre Dame, which the Irish won.
In November, Holtz gave what was billed as his “final public speech” during an appearance at his eponymous charity golf tournament.
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