College Football Hall of Famer Lou Holtz Dies at 89

Holtz led Notre Dame to 1988 national championship during 33-year coaching career

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Lou Holtz, the legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six different schools, has died at the age of 89. Holtz passed away in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his family, though the cause of death was not provided.

Why it matters

Holtz was one of the most iconic and successful college football coaches of his era, leading Notre Dame to its last national title and compiling a Hall of Fame career that spanned over three decades. His passing marks the end of an era for the sport.

The details

During his illustrious career, Holtz became the first and only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games. He finished with a record of 249-132-7, including a 100-30-2 mark in 11 seasons at Notre Dame, where he won the 1988 national championship.

  • Holtz passed away on March 5, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Lou Holtz

A College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six different schools.

Notre Dame

The university where Holtz coached for 11 seasons, leading them to a national title in 1988.

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The takeaway

Holtz's passing marks the end of an era for college football, as one of the sport's most iconic and successful coaches has died at the age of 89. His legacy as a championship-winning coach at Notre Dame and elsewhere will cement his place as a legend of the game.