by Misty Severi
Iconic college football coach Lou Holtz, who spent 33 years leading teams including the University of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish, died Wednesday in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 89.
Holtz, who was also known for being a friend of President Donald Trump, was surrounded by loved ones and had reportedly entered hospice in January. The football coach’s cause of death was not immediately clear.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Holtz,” current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman told NBC News in a statement. “Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the football field. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carry out Notre Dame’s mission.”
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also mourned the loss of Holtz.
“Coach Lou Holtz was a legend on and off the field, who cared deeply for the state of Indiana and lived a remarkable life grounded in faith, family, and giving back. He will be greatly missed,” the governor said.
Lindsey Graham said on X that a “giant tree has fallen with the passing of my good friend, Lou Holtz.”
“There will be plenty of time to talk about his amazing wife, family, and accomplishments. As to this moment, I deeply believe that Lou Holtz is now in the hands of a loving God, and his pain is over. To his family, fans and friends – who number in the thousands – as we mourn, let us dedicate ourselves to celebrating a life well lived,” Graham stated.
“May God provide comfort to his family and friends,” he added.
Holtz is survived by his wife Beth, four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Misty Severi is a reporter for Just the News. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
