- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Notre Dame Legends Gather to Honor Iconic Coach Lou Holtz at Emotional Funeral
Holtz's son Skip delivers touching tribute, highlighting his father's impact on people over his football success
Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:24pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Hundreds of former players, coaches, and friends gathered at the University of Notre Dame's Basilica of the Sacred Heart to honor legendary football coach Lou Holtz, who passed away at the age of 89. His son Skip Holtz delivered an emotional eulogy, remembering his father not just for his coaching accomplishments, but for the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him.
Why it matters
Lou Holtz was one of the most influential figures in college football history, leading Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 and winning 249 games as a head coach. His legacy extends far beyond the gridiron, as he was known for his ability to inspire and believe in his players more than they believed in themselves. The outpouring of support at his funeral from Notre Dame luminaries and former players underscores the lasting impression Holtz left on the university and the sport of college football.
The details
During the Mass of Christian Burial, Holtz's son Skip delivered an emotional eulogy, describing his father as a "complicated man" who came from humble beginnings but rose to become one of the most influential figures in college football. Skip said Holtz was not defined by championships or wins, but by the way he changed people's lives for the better through his trust, commitment, and love. He mixed heartfelt reflections with lighter memories, joking about Holtz's love of golf, Diet Coke, and Chardonnay. The service drew many of Holtz's former players, as well as current and former Notre Dame coaches, including Marcus Freeman, Brian Kelly, and Digger Phelps.
- Lou Holtz passed away on March 4, 2026 at the age of 89.
- The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The players
Lou Holtz
A legendary college football coach who won 249 games and led Notre Dame to the national championship in 1988 with a perfect 12-0 season.
Skip Holtz
The son of Lou Holtz, who followed in his father's footsteps to become a college head coach.
Marcus Freeman
The current head coach of the Notre Dame football team.
Brian Kelly
A former head coach of the Notre Dame football team.
Digger Phelps
The longtime head coach of the Notre Dame men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“He found a way to believe in you more than you believed in yourself. He built his life on trust, commitment and love.”
— Skip Holtz, Son of Lou Holtz (TMZ)
“When you think of Lou Holtz, find the people closest to you and ask them, 'What can I do for you?'”
— Skip Holtz, Son of Lou Holtz (TMZ)
The takeaway
Lou Holtz's legacy at Notre Dame and in college football extends far beyond his coaching accomplishments and championships. His ability to inspire and believe in his players, and to positively impact the lives of those around him, is what truly defined his lasting impact on the sport and the university he loved.
