Former Arkansas Coach Lou Holtz Enters Hospice Care

The 89-year-old coaching legend led the Razorbacks from 1977 to 1983.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:15am

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According to multiple reports, former University of Arkansas football coach Lou Holtz has entered hospice care. Holtz, who is 89 years old, accumulated a 249-132-7 record as a college coach, including a 60-21-2 mark in six seasons with the Razorbacks from 1977 to 1983. He also won a national championship at Notre Dame in 1988 and led the Fighting Irish to a 100-30-2 record and five bowl victories during his 11 seasons as their head coach.

Why it matters

Holtz is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and his tenure at Arkansas was a highly successful period for the program. His entry into hospice care marks the end of an era for a legendary figure in the sport.

The details

Reports of Holtz entering hospice care were first shared by Kyle Sutherland of the On3 network and confirmed by a source close to the family. Holtz, who is 89 years old, led the Razorbacks from 1977 to 1983, compiling a 60-21-2 record during his six seasons with the team. He went on to win a national championship at Notre Dame in 1988 and led the Fighting Irish to a 100-30-2 record and five bowl victories during his 11 years as their head coach.

  • Holtz coached the Razorbacks from 1977 to 1983.
  • Holtz won a national championship at Notre Dame in 1988.
  • Holtz led Notre Dame to a 100-30-2 record and five bowl victories from 1987 to 1996.

The players

Lou Holtz

A legendary college football coach who led the University of Arkansas Razorbacks from 1977 to 1983 and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996, winning a national championship with the Fighting Irish in 1988.

Sam Pittman

The former head coach of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, who was fired the day after Notre Dame defeated Arkansas 56-13 in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.