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Urban Meyer Mourns Mentor Lou Holtz After His Passing
The legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 has died at the age of 89.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Lou Holtz, the legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988, has died at the age of 89. Holtz had been in hospice care for several weeks, and his passing was mourned by those whose careers he influenced, including former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer.
Why it matters
Holtz's coaching career spanned decades and included stints at several major college football programs. His impact on the sport and the lives of the coaches he mentored, like Urban Meyer, is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship and the lasting influence one individual can have.
The details
Urban Meyer, former head coach at Florida and Ohio State, publicly shared his grief and gratitude for Holtz, calling him a mentor and family friend. Meyer released a video statement on the Triple Option Podcast, reflecting on Holtz's profound impact on his career. Meyer recounted how Holtz advised him to accept the head coaching position at Bowling Green, a decision that launched his career. He credited Holtz with playing a key role in his success, including winning a national title with the Buckeyes in 2014.
- Lou Holtz entered hospice care a little more than a month before his passing on Tuesday, March 6, 2026.
- Urban Meyer and Lou Holtz first worked together in 1996 when Holtz hired Meyer as the wide receivers coach at Notre Dame.
The players
Lou Holtz
A legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 and had a profound impact on the careers of many coaches, including Urban Meyer.
Urban Meyer
A former head coach at Florida and Ohio State who credits Lou Holtz as a mentor and family friend, and who says Holtz played a key role in launching his coaching career.
Woody Hayes
The former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, with whom Lou Holtz served as an assistant coach in 1968.
What they’re saying
“Lou Holtz was my mentor. He was a family friend, and without Lou Holtz, our career really never would've gotten started.”
— Urban Meyer, Former Head Coach, Ohio State Buckeyes (Triple Option Podcast)
The takeaway
The passing of a figure like Lou Holtz resonates beyond the realm of sports, highlighting the enduring power of mentorship and the lasting impact one individual can have on the trajectory of others' lives. Holtz's coaching legacy and the tributes from those he mentored, like Urban Meyer, underscore the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders and the profound influence a great coach can have.
