Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Reflects on Loss of Lou Holtz

Freeman says he'll miss Holtz's wisdom and leadership during tough times for the Irish football program.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:04am

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Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman was among those who paid their final respects to late predecessor Lou Holtz at the start of this week. Freeman struck an appreciative tone, reflecting on the impact Holtz had on the Notre Dame program and how he could always count on Holtz's wisdom after tough losses. Freeman said he's grateful to have been influenced by Holtz, even though he never played or coached for him directly.

Why it matters

Lou Holtz was a legendary coach at Notre Dame, leading the Irish to a national championship in 1988. His influence on the program and its current head coach, Marcus Freeman, highlights the importance of mentorship and the lasting impact great leaders can have, even after they're gone.

The details

Freeman said that during the toughest times, he could always count on a call from Holtz after a loss, with Holtz offering his opinion but never advice. Holtz's influence helped guide Freeman through early struggles as a head coach, including 0-3 and 3-game losing streaks. The Irish have since reeled off long winning streaks, including 13 straight after a loss in 2024 and a current 50-week unbeaten run heading into 2026.

  • Holtz died on March 4, 2026 at the age of 89.
  • Freeman spoke about Holtz's passing on March 18, 2026.

The players

Marcus Freeman

The current head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, who has led the Irish to great success in his first few seasons, including a runner-up finish in the 2024 College Football Playoff.

Lou Holtz

The legendary former head football coach at Notre Dame, who led the Irish to a national championship in 1988 and won 100 games from 1986-1996.

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What they’re saying

“Monday was an opportunity to celebrate a life of a special individual, and that's what every individual that came back was here to do.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame

“To me, leadership is influence. And the greatest evaluation of a leader is how you lead during tough times. That's who Coach Holtz was for me.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame

“During the toughest of times, every Sunday after a loss, I knew his call was coming. It wasn't a magical message. He'd just always say, 'I'll give you my opinion, never any advice.' But whatever he said in that moment is what I needed to hear.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame

The takeaway

The loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary figure in Notre Dame football history, has left a void that current coach Marcus Freeman feels deeply. Holtz's wisdom and leadership during tough times served as a guiding light for Freeman, highlighting the lasting impact great mentors can have on those who follow in their footsteps.