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Legendary Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz Enters Hospice Care
The 89-year-old coach led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:31pm
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Lou Holtz, the hall of fame football coach who led Notre Dame to a 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988, has entered hospice care according to reports. Holtz held the reins of the Fighting Irish football team from 1986 until 1996, recording 100 wins - the third most in school history.
Why it matters
Holtz is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, leading Notre Dame to tremendous success during his tenure. His potential passing would mark the end of an era for the storied Fighting Irish program.
The details
Holtz initially retired from coaching following the 1996 season, but returned to take over head coaching duties at South Carolina in 1999 before retiring for a final time after the 2004 season. As a college football head coach, Holtz won 12 bowl games, including the 1988 Fiesta Bowl to go along with Notre Dame's undefeated season and national championship that year.
- Holtz held the reins of the Fighting Irish football team from 1986 until 1996.
- Holtz won the 1988 Fiesta Bowl and the national championship with Notre Dame.
- Holtz returned to coaching at South Carolina from 1999 to 2004 before retiring for the final time.
The players
Lou Holtz
A hall of fame football coach who led Notre Dame to a 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988, and held the reins of the Fighting Irish football team from 1986 until 1996, recording 100 wins - the third most in school history.
Skip Holtz
The son of Lou Holtz, who reported that his father is "still fighting the fight" while in hospice care.
What they’re saying
“Still fighting the fight.”
— Skip Holtz, Son of Lou Holtz (FOX Sports)
The takeaway
The potential passing of Lou Holtz, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, would mark the end of an era for the storied Notre Dame Fighting Irish program that he led to tremendous success during his tenure from 1986 to 1996.
