Trump Pays Tribute to Legendary Football Coach Lou Holtz After His Death

The former president honored Holtz's historic coaching career and support for Trump's presidency.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to legendary football coach Lou Holtz, who passed away at the age of 89. Trump praised Holtz's coaching accomplishments, including leading Notre Dame's undefeated 1988 season, as well as Holtz's support for Trump's presidency. Trump had awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom near the end of his first term.

Why it matters

Holtz was a prominent public figure who was known for his successful coaching career as well as his vocal support for Trump. His passing marks the end of an era, and Trump's tribute highlights the close relationship between the two men.

The details

Holtz was the first coach in NCAA history to take six different football programs to bowl games, including William & Mary, N.C. State, Arkansas, and South Carolina. He finished his coaching career with a 249-132-7 record in 388 games and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Near the end of Trump's first term, the former president awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

  • Lou Holtz passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2026.
  • In February 2024, Holtz said Trump needed to 'coach America back to greatness'.
  • Trump awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom near the end of his first term, shortly after the 2020 election.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who awarded Lou Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Lou Holtz

A legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1988 and was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“The wonderful Lou Holtz passed away yesterday, so sad. Lou was an absolute WINNER both on and off the field. Not only did he spearhead Notre Dame's HISTORIC undefeated season in 1988 (including the legendary 31-30 'Catholics v. Convicts' Victory against Miami), he raised Millions upon Millions for struggling student-athletes, and the AMAZING University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!). He was also a true American Patriot, supporting me through thick and thin, and consistently speaking out against Democrat Insanity, including 'Transgender for Everybody,' and the Illegal Alien Invasion.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“It's the highest honor or award you could possibly receive, and I receive it with mixed emotions. First of all, I'm humbled. There are many more people far worthy than me, I can assure you. Nobody is more appreciative than me. So, I'm excited to have this opportunity and, at the same time, I'm excited to receive it from President Trump. The president I admire and respect. I think he did a tremendous job.”

— Lou Holtz (Fox & Friends)

The takeaway

The passing of Lou Holtz marks the end of an era for college football and highlights the close relationship between the legendary coach and former President Donald Trump, who awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Holtz's support for Trump and his conservative views made him a prominent public figure beyond just his coaching accomplishments.