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College Football Icon Lou Holtz Enters Hospice Care
The legendary Notre Dame coach led the Fighting Irish to the 1988 national title.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:15pm
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Lou Holtz, the College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to the 1988 national title, has reportedly entered hospice care, according to a source close to the family. Holtz, 89, compiled a 249-132-7 college record over 33 years as a coach, including stints at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina.
Why it matters
Holtz is considered one of the most iconic college football coaches of his era, leading Notre Dame to a perfect 12-0 season and the national championship in 1988. His potential passing would mark the end of an era for the sport and the university he is so closely associated with.
The details
Holtz was at the helm for the Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996. He also coached at the professional level with the New York Jets in 1976 and served as a college football analyst for ESPN from 2004 to 2015. Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in 2020.
- Holtz coached at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996.
- Holtz led Notre Dame to the 1988 national title.
- Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.
The players
Lou Holtz
A College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to the 1988 national title and compiled a 249-132-7 college record over 33 years as a coach.
Notre Dame
The university where Holtz coached the Fighting Irish football team from 1986 to 1996, leading them to the 1988 national championship.
What’s next
The family has not yet released any further details on Holtz's condition or prognosis.
The takeaway
Holtz's potential passing would mark the end of an era for college football, as he was one of the most successful and iconic coaches of his generation, leading Notre Dame to a national championship and earning numerous accolades over his storied career.
