Stories and tributes pour in after death of legendary Coach Lou Holtz

Tributes poured in across sports, politics, media, and Catholic communities after the passing of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz at age 89.

>> Legendary Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz dies at 89 << 

From former players and Notre Dame leaders to politicians and longtime friends, many remembered Holtz not only for his national championship but for the personal impact he had on those around him.

Skip Holtz, son of Lou Holtz

Lou Holtz’s son, football coach Skip Holtz, confirmed his father’s passing and reflected on his legacy in a message posted on X.

Skip Holtz also reposted an image of Notre Dame Stadium’s scoreboard lit with the word “LOU,” alongside a tribute image showing two hands forming “L” shapes — a gesture often used by Notre Dame fans to honor the legendary coach.

Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame head football coach

Freeman said Holtz welcomed him into the Notre Dame family and modeled the values that shaped the program.

“Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support,” Freeman wrote.

Freeman added that Holtz built his coaching legacy on “love, trust and commitment” and said the Notre Dame community is praying for Holtz’s family.

Father Robert Dowd, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame

The university’s president remembered Holtz for his lasting contributions to Notre Dame’s Catholic mission.

“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Fr. Dowd wrote.

“Among his many accomplishments,” he added, “we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players.” 

 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football

Notre Dame honored Holtz with a simple tribute at Notre Dame Stadium, lighting the scoreboard with his name: “LOU.” They captioned the image “A legacy that will always live here.”

The program also reposted footage from “Lou’s Overture,” a beloved game-day tradition from Holtz’s coaching era. Between the third and fourth quarters, the Notre Dame band would play the 1812 Overture, while fans raised their hands in double “L” shapes and chanted his name — a ritual that became one of the most recognizable symbols of Holtz’s time in South Bend.

Jerome Bettis, Pro Football Hall of Famer, former Notre Dame running back 

Former Notre Dame star Jerome Bettis shared a personal story about the day Holtz came to his home to recruit him, recalling how the legendary coach spoke with his mother and promised she could trust him with her son.

“Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family,” he wrote.

 Mike Greenberg, ESPN host 

ESPN personality Mike Greenberg shared a decades-old memory of Holtz that he said stayed with him for years.

“Young man, the most important thing you can do for a child is make sure every day they know how much you love their mother,” Holtz said, according to Greenberg.

Greenberg said he has thought about the advice “about a million times” since the moment happened more than 25 years ago during a SportsCenter appearance.

Brady Quinn, former Notre Dame quarterback and FOX Sports analyst

Quinn said Holtz influenced generations of Notre Dame players and recalled a conversation the two shared about faith before a charity event.

“He made sure I put my faith in Jesus Christ and understood what was most important in life,” he recalled. “Coach never took a moment for granted to make a difference.” 

 Tim Brown, 1987 Heisman Trophy winner and former Notre Dame wide receiver

Brown, who won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Holtz at Notre Dame, recalled how the coach encouraged him early in his career and believed he could win the award.

“Coach was a great coach, but he was a better man,” he wrote.

Brown said Holtz once pulled him aside during spring practice and told him he believed he could win the Heisman — a moment Brown said ultimately changed his life.

Bertrand Berry, former Notre Dame defensive end and NFL player

Berry thanked Holtz for the lessons he taught him during his time at Notre Dame.

“Words can’t express how grateful I am for you Coach,” he wrote.

Chris Vannini, senior writer at The Athletic

Vannini resurfaced one of Holtz’s most memorable off-the-field moments — the famous “newspaper trick” the coach often performed during motivational speeches.

“The Lou Holtz newspaper trick has been stuck in my head for more than a decade,” he wrote. “Blows my mind every time.”

During the routine, Holtz would tear a newspaper into pieces while joking about its sections — only to unfold it moments later completely restored, a bit of showmanship that became one of the most beloved quirks of his speaking career.

Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey remembered Holtz as one of the defining figures in college football, recalling the encouragement the legendary coach gave him early in his career.

“Lou Holtz was a giant of college football whose influence on the game is matched only by the impact he had on people,” he wrote.

Sankey said Holtz built championship programs and helped transform young athletes into leaders, adding that the sport “is better because of Lou Holtz.”

Rece Davis, host of ESPN College GameDay 

Davis appeared on SportsCenter and recalled memories he shared with Holtz after his retirement.

ESPN College Football 

ESPN College Football posted a video tribute to Holtz. “Truly an icon of the game,” they wrote. 

C-SPAN

The network reposted a video of Lou Holtz receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump in 2020.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe remembered Holtz as a friend who inspired him with his faith and love of country: “Nobody ever loved ‘God, Country and Notre Dame’ more than you, my friend.”

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

McMahon recalled a conversation with Holtz about how he approached discipline while coaching.

She remembered him as “a legendary coach, but more importantly, a great man.”

West Virginia Senator Jim Justice 

Justice remembered Holtz, a native of West Virginia, as a beloved figure in his home state.

Florida Senator Rick Scott

Scott remembered Holtz as a close friend who supported his work and encouraged his staff.

“Lou was not only a legendary coach but a remarkable person,” he wrote.

Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Sanders remembered spending time with Holtz while campaigning for President Donald Trump.

“He loved our President, loved the Arkansas Razorbacks — and most importantly, loved our country,” she wrote. “Rest in peace, Coach.”

Rep. Brendan Boyle, Notre Dame alumni 

Boyle shared a memory from his time as a Notre Dame student reporter, recalling that the first time he appeared on television was while covering Holtz’s retirement announcement.

Rep. Nancy Mace

Mace noted Holtz’s connection to South Carolina, where he coached the Gamecocks from 1999 to 2004.

America First Policy Institute Founder Brooke Rollins

Rollins, a public policy leader and longtime friend of Holtz, shared a video of one of their final visits together.

“Rest in peace my precious friend,” she wrote. “You are truly irreplaceable and I will miss you forever.”

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America

Hawkins honored Holtz’s legacy and his outspoken support for the pro-life movement.

 CatholicVote 

The group shared photos of Holtz holding a LOOP mug and remembered his support for the outlet.