College Football Legend Lou Holtz Enters Hospice at 89

Holtz is best known for his coaching tenure at Notre Dame, where he won a national title in 1988.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:23am

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College football legend and former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz has entered hospice care at the age of 89, according to a family source. Holtz is best known for his time coaching Notre Dame from 1986-1996, which included a national championship in 1988. He also had a brief stint coaching the NFL's New York Jets and served as a college football analyst for ESPN.

Why it matters

Holtz is considered one of the most iconic and successful college football coaches of his era, leading Notre Dame to a national title and compiling a 249-132-7 record over his career. His entrance into hospice care marks the end of an era for one of the sport's most recognizable figures.

The details

Holtz played at Kent State before becoming an assistant coach in 1960. He landed his first head coaching job at William & Mary in 1969 and went on to coach at NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina in addition to his successful tenure at Notre Dame. Holtz left Notre Dame after the 1996 season and transitioned to a media role, working as a commentator for CBS and ESPN before retiring in 2015.

  • Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996.
  • Holtz won the national championship with Notre Dame in 1988.
  • Holtz coached the New York Jets for 13 games in the 1967 season.
  • Holtz entered hospice care in January 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Lou Holtz

A legendary college football coach best known for his 11-year tenure at Notre Dame, where he won a national championship in 1988. Holtz also had a brief stint coaching the NFL's New York Jets and later worked as a college football analyst for ESPN.

Tim Brando

A Fox Sports announcer who posted a positive message on social media about Holtz entering hospice care.

Skip Holtz

Lou Holtz's son, who is also a college football coach.

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What they’re saying

“Oh at some point I think we all knew we'd be lucky to hold on to Lou and legends like him much longer. So many we've looked up to and many I had the honor and privilege of not only covering, but working alongside eventually head to their next life of eternal glory.”

— Tim Brando, Fox Sports announcer (X)

What’s next

The Holtz family is expected to provide further updates on Lou Holtz's condition in the coming days.

The takeaway

Lou Holtz's entrance into hospice care marks the end of an era for one of college football's most iconic and successful coaches. His legacy as the leader of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, including a national championship in 1988, will cement his place as one of the sport's all-time greats.