Lou Holtz is a Hall of Fame college football coach who served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1985 to 1996, leading the Fighting Irish to the consensus national championship in 1988. He also coached at William and Mary College (1969–71), North Carolina State (1972–1975), Arkansas (1977–83), University of Minnesota (1984–85), and the University of South Carolina (1999-2004). Holtz was the head coach of the New York Jets during the 1976 season.
He is a popular motivational speaker and the author of several books, including the New York Times bestselling The Fighting Spirit about Notre Dame’s 1988 championship season; his autobiography, Wins, Losses, and Lessons; and A Teen’s Game Plan for Life. After leaving coaching, Holtz became a college football analyst for ESPN. He retired in 2015, but continues to work as a college football and golf analyst for SiriusXM radio.
Holtz earned his bachelor of science degree from Kent State University in 1959, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Iowa in 1961. He also has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He has received a number of honors not only for coaching but also for his philanthropy.
Holtz and his late wife, Beth, have four grown children. He lives in Orlando, Florida.
