College football coaching legend Lou Holtz is in hospice care at the age of 89, according to multiple reports.
A native of Follansbee, W.Va., Holtz is best known for leading Notre Dame to an undefeated season and the 1988 national title, ironically captured after a win over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.
In addition to his time leading the Fighting Irish from 1986-96, Holtz’s resume is highlighted by winning one of his two national Coach of the Year honors during his time with Arkansas (1977-83) and an ACC title while at helm of North Carolina State (1972-75).
With a 249-132-7 overall record, Holtz also led Minnesota (1984-85) and South Carolina (1999-2004) and served as an assistant on staffs at Iowa, William & Mary, Connecticut, South Carolina and Ohio State.
Holtz even briefly tried coaching in the NFL with the New York Jets, going 3-10 before resigning in 1976. “God did not put Lou Holtz on this earth to coach in the pros,” said Holtz at the time of his resignation.
After wrapping up his coaching career, Holtz moved to a career in media with CBS Sports and then most notably a long run with ESPN as one of the top college football personalities on the network.
Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He was presented the Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in 2020.
West Virginia Sports Now will update this story as it develops.
