Lou Holtz, Notre Dame's Last National Championship Coach, Laid to Rest

Former players reunite to remember the coach who restored the Fighting Irish's football program to national prominence

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:04am

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Former Notre Dame football players gathered in South Bend, Indiana to remember Lou Holtz, the school's last coach to win a national championship. Holtz, who died on March 4 at age 89, was remembered for his demanding coaching style as well as his ability to transform the lives of his players both on and off the field. The funeral Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart was followed by a procession to the campus cemetery where Holtz was laid to rest next to his wife Beth.

Why it matters

Holtz's tenure as Notre Dame's head coach from 1986 to 1996 was a pivotal era for the storied football program. When he arrived, the Fighting Irish had fallen into mediocrity, but Holtz rebuilt the team into a national powerhouse, culminating in a perfect 12-0 season and national championship in 1988 - the school's first in over a decade. Holtz's impact went beyond just football, as he helped transform the lives of many of his players through his demanding but caring approach.

The details

Holtz, a Depression-era child from West Virginia, was known for his intense, old-school coaching style that could be both demanding and volatile. But he also had a softer side, as evidenced by his efforts to help players like Chris Zorich overcome personal challenges. Holtz's first team meeting set the tone, as he immediately asserted control over the room and got the players' attention. Under his leadership, Notre Dame went from mediocrity to the pinnacle of college football, winning the national title in 1988 after a 12-0 season.

  • Holtz became Notre Dame's head coach in late 1985.
  • In his first season in 1986, the Fighting Irish won 5 games.
  • In 1987, Notre Dame won 8 games, setting the stage for their championship season.
  • In 1988, Notre Dame went 12-0 and won the national championship, their first since 1977.
  • Holtz's funeral Mass was held on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Lou Holtz

The former Notre Dame head coach who restored the school's football program to national prominence, winning the national championship in 1988.

Skip Holtz

Lou Holtz's son, who delivered a eulogy at his father's funeral.

Steve Beuerlein

Holtz's first quarterback at Notre Dame, who credited the coach with restoring his confidence and self-belief.

Chris Zorich

A former Notre Dame defensive tackle who grew emotional recounting how Holtz helped him overcome a stutter.

Corny Southall

A defensive back on Holtz's first Notre Dame team, who joked that the entire team would have transferred if the transfer portal existed back then.

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What they’re saying

“He believed circumstances don't define who you are. Choices do.”

— Skip Holtz, Lou Holtz's son (Chicago Tribune)

“That point changed my life. I wasn't a starter. Like, I'm not Tim Brown. I didn't just win the Heisman. I'm a freshman, holding bags.”

— Chris Zorich, Former Notre Dame defensive tackle (Chicago Tribune)

“If the transfer portal was there 37 years ago, we all would have transferred. Because we were like, 'This guy's crazy.'”

— Corny Southall, Former Notre Dame free safety (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The University of Notre Dame is planning a special tribute to Lou Holtz during the upcoming football season, likely including a ceremony to retire his jersey number.

The takeaway

Lou Holtz's legacy at Notre Dame extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. He transformed the lives of his players, instilling in them a sense of discipline, confidence and purpose that served them long after their playing days. Holtz's impact on the Fighting Irish program and the South Bend community will be felt for generations to come.