Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame coach who restored Notre Dame and won 1988 national title, dies at 89
Airfind news item
By Brad Crawford
Published on March 4, 2026.
College football coaching legend Lou Holtz, known for guiding Notre Dame to an unbeaten season and national championship in 1988, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his innovative coaching at several major college programs, Holtz finished 249-132-7 in his career, which included stops at NC State, Arkansas, and Minnesota. He was also head coach of the New York Jets for 10 months in 1976, and later returned to coaching in Arkansas and Minnesota before returning to Notre Dame in 1986. The legendary coach is also known for his iconic "Play Like A Champion Today" sign and team not wearing names on the back of their uniforms. Holtz retired from Notre Dame after his first retirement in 1996, but returned to the sidelines to revive South Carolina in 1999. He is the only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games.
Read Original Article