Notre Dame Icon Lou Holtz Enters Hospice Care at 89

Legendary college football coach led Fighting Irish to national championship in 1988

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:47pm

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Lou Holtz, the iconic former head coach of the University of Notre Dame's football team, has entered hospice care at the age of 89 as his health has declined. Holtz is best known for leading the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988 during his 10-year tenure from 1986 to 1996, where he helped establish Notre Dame as one of the top programs in the country. Prior to Notre Dame, Holtz coached at several other colleges as well as a brief stint in the NFL with the New York Jets.

Why it matters

Holtz is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, with a career spanning over four decades. His success at Notre Dame cemented the program's status as a national powerhouse and he is revered by generations of Fighting Irish fans. His move to hospice care at the end of his life marks the passing of an era for one of the sport's most iconic figures.

The details

During his 10 seasons as Notre Dame's head coach, Holtz compiled a 100-30-2 record, including the undefeated 12-0 national championship season in 1988. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2008 in recognition of his coaching achievements and impact on the sport.

  • Holtz served as Notre Dame's head coach from 1986 to 1996.
  • In 1988, Holtz led Notre Dame to a 12-0 record and the national championship.
  • Holtz entered hospice care in January 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Lou Holtz

Legendary college football coach who led the University of Notre Dame's football team to a national championship in 1988 during his 10-year tenure from 1986 to 1996.

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What they’re saying

“Lou Holtz is one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. His impact on the sport and the Notre Dame program is immeasurable.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, University of Michigan (local news station)

What’s next

The Notre Dame community is expected to hold a special tribute for Holtz in the coming weeks to honor his legacy and contributions to the university and college football.

The takeaway

Lou Holtz's move to hospice care marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in college football history. His success at Notre Dame cemented the program's status as a national powerhouse and he will be remembered as a legendary coach who left an indelible mark on the sport.