Reports: Coaching legend Lou Holtz in hospice care

Field Level Media|published: Fri 30th January, 12:33 2026

Oct 7, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Former North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Lou Holtz is honored along with his 1973 football team during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz, who led Notre Dame to an undefeated national championship season in 1988, has entered hospice care, according to multiple reports.

Holtz, 89, has been dealing with several health concerns in recent years, including leg injuries sustained last winter in a car accident.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in 2020.

Holtz compiled a 249-132-7 record in the college ranks at William & Mary (1969-71), North Carolina State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83), Minnesota (1984-85), Notre Dame (1986-96) and South Carolina (1999-2004). He was 3-10 as head coach of the New York Jets in 1976.

He reached his greatest heights at Notre Dame, where he went 100-30-2 overall and 5-4 in bowl games. His 1988 Fighting Irish squad, led by quarterback Tony Rice, completed a 12-0 season with a 34-21 victory over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

--Field Level Media