Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz has passed away at the age of 89

College Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz has passed away at the age of 89-years-old.

In a post on Holtz’s X account, his family confirmed his passing, saying he was surrounded by them in his home in Orlando.

Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia,…

— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026

Holtz’s accomplished career includes two coach of the year awards and a national championship in 1988 while coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Holtz has been in hospice care in Orlando since Jan. 30, 2026.

From the family of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/aYWiXYVnLq

— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) March 4, 2026

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