Legendary Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz Enters Hospice Care

The 89-year-old college football Hall of Famer led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to multiple reports, famed Notre Dame head football coach Lou Holtz has entered hospice care at the age of 89. Holtz is one of the most celebrated college football coaches of all time, leading the Fighting Irish to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988. He coached at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996 and is the only coach in college football history to take six different teams to a bowl game, win five bowl games with various teams, and have four different college teams ranked in the final top 20.

Why it matters

Holtz is a legendary figure in college football, known for his success at Notre Dame and other programs. His entrance into hospice care marks the end of an era and will be deeply felt by the Notre Dame community and college football fans nationwide.

The details

Holtz held the position of head coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996, leading the team to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988. He also coached at multiple other schools, including Arkansas, where he compiled a 60-21-2 record and won three bowl games. Holtz is the only coach in college football history to take six different teams to a bowl game, win five bowl games with various teams, and have four different college teams ranked in the final top 20.

  • Holtz entered hospice care on January 29, 2026.
  • Holtz coached at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996.
  • Holtz led Notre Dame to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988.

The players

Lou Holtz

A legendary college football coach who is best known for his tenure at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988. Holtz is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Tim Brown

The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner who played under Holtz at Notre Dame.

Raghib "Rocket" Ismail

A College Football Hall of Famer who played for Holtz at Notre Dame.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have confirmed College Football Hall of Famer Lou Holtz is in hospice care.”

— Kyle Sutherland, Reporter (HawgBeat)

“A source close to the family confirmed with ABC57 that Notre Dame legend, Lou Holtz, has reportedly entered into hospice care at the age of 89.”

— ABC57 Source (ABC57)

The takeaway

Lou Holtz's entrance into hospice care marks the end of an era for one of the most celebrated and successful college football coaches of all time. His legacy at Notre Dame and across the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.