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Legendary Coach Lou Holtz Dies at 89
Mike Greenberg shares heartfelt story about Holtz's impactful advice
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz passed away at the age of 89. During his more than 40-year coaching career, Holtz amassed a 249-132-7 overall record, won two national coach of the year awards, and led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988. ESPN personality Mike Greenberg shared a touching story about Holtz's advice to him early in his career.
Why it matters
Holtz was one of the most iconic and successful college football coaches of his era, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. His passing is a significant loss for the college football community, and Greenberg's story highlights Holtz's profound impact on those he mentored, even in brief interactions.
The details
Holtz entered hospice care in January, just weeks after his 89th birthday. He won two Bear Bryant Awards and Eddie Robinson Awards as national coach of the year, and led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988. During an appearance on ESPN's 'Get Up', Greenberg shared a story about Holtz's advice to him early in his career when Greenberg was a young SportsCenter anchor.
- Holtz passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
- Holtz entered hospice care in January 2026, just weeks after his 89th birthday.
- Greenberg shared the story about Holtz's advice to him over 25 years ago.
The players
Lou Holtz
A legendary college football coach who amassed a 249-132-7 overall record over his more than 40-year coaching career, including winning a national championship with Notre Dame in 1988.
Mike Greenberg
An ESPN personality who shared a heartfelt story about the impactful advice he received from Holtz early in his career when Greenberg was a young SportsCenter anchor.
What they’re saying
“In the case of Lou Holtz, there was a story I'd really like to tell. I've told this story over the 25 years or so since it happened more times than I can count, but it hits very differently now. I was anchoring SportsCenter in those days, and one afternoon Lou Holtz was coming on the show. I was really excited to talk to him. He had been an icon, at that point, all of my life.”
— Mike Greenberg (ESPN)
“He stopped dead in his tracks and put his finger up, right in my face. He said to me, 'young man, the most important thing you can do for your child is make sure everyday you make sure they know how much you love their mother'.”
— Lou Holtz, Former Notre Dame Head Coach (ESPN)
The takeaway
Holtz's passing is a significant loss for the college football community, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted, including Greenberg's, with his wisdom and mentorship. Holtz's advice about the importance of a father's love for his children's mother is a timeless lesson that resonates far beyond the football field.
