Urban Meyer Reflects on Legendary Coach Lou Holtz's Legacy

Meyer shares the biggest lesson he learned from Holtz during their time together at Notre Dame.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Urban Meyer, who served as an assistant coach under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame in 1996, reflected on the legendary coach's passing and the biggest lesson he learned from Holtz - his unwavering belief that there was greatness in every player and his relentless pursuit to help them maximize their potential, even if it meant being 'uncomfortable' at times.

Why it matters

Holtz's coaching philosophy and approach to developing players had a lasting impact on Meyer, who went on to become a successful head coach at multiple programs. His emphasis on finding the greatness in every athlete and pushing them to reach their full potential is seen as a hallmark of Holtz's legendary coaching career.

The details

Meyer was hired by Holtz as Notre Dame's wide receivers coach in 1996, the last season of Holtz's decorated 11-year run with the Fighting Irish. During their lone season together, Meyer witnessed firsthand Holtz's unique ability to relate to players and drive them to excellence. Holtz believed there was 'greatness in everyone' and it was the coach's job to uncover and cultivate that potential, even if it meant using 'love, fear, hate, whatever it is' to motivate players.

  • Holtz hired Meyer as Notre Dame's wide receivers coach in 1996.
  • Holtz resigned from Notre Dame after the 1996 season.
  • Holtz passed away on March 3, 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Lou Holtz

A legendary college football coach who spent 11 seasons as the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, leading the program to a national championship in 1988.

Urban Meyer

A former college football coach who served as an assistant under Holtz at Notre Dame in 1996 before going on to become a successful head coach at multiple programs.

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What they’re saying

“His love for his players – and I used to say this, as well, to people. Love is not soft. If you love your children and you see them doing stupid things, you'd better not say, 'Oh, kids will be kids.' No, no, no, no. End it. Stop it. Same thing with your players. He believed there was greatness in everyone, Lou Holtz did. He would say that. There was greatness in that kid. You find it as a coach.”

— Urban Meyer, Former Notre Dame Assistant Coach (SiriusXM College Sports Radio)

What’s next

Meyer's reflections on Holtz's coaching philosophy and impact are expected to continue as the college football community mourns the loss of the legendary Notre Dame coach.

The takeaway

Lou Holtz's unwavering belief in the potential of every player and his relentless pursuit to help them reach that potential left a lasting impression on Urban Meyer and countless other coaches. Holtz's legacy as a transformative leader who brought out the best in his athletes is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport of college football.