College football icon Lou Holtz enters hospice care at 89

SOUTH BEND — The college football world is rallying in support of Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz, who has reportedly entered hospice care at the age of 89. News of the legendary coach’s declining health first surfaced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the many communities he impacted over a career spanning more than four decades.

Holtz, whose health has been a concern in recent years following a 2025 car accident that resulted in significant leg injuries, remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the history of the sport.

Holtz’s coaching journey began as an assistant in 1960, eventually leading to his first head coaching role at William & Mary in 1969. Over 33 years as a head coach, he achieved what no other coach in NCAA history has: leading six different programs (William & Mary, N.C. State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina) to bowl games.

He is most deeply synonymous with Notre Dame, where he served as head coach from 1986 to 1996. His tenure in South Bend was marked by the 1988 National Championship, leading the Fighting Irish to a perfect 12-0 season. He finished his Irish career with a 100-30-2 record. He is credited with hanging the iconic “Play Like A Champion Today” sign in the Notre Dame locker room.

Following his retirement from the sidelines in 2004, Holtz found a second wave of fame as a colorful and sharp-witted analyst for ESPN, where his chemistry with Mark May and Rece Davis became a staple of Saturday nights for over a decade.

In his later years, Holtz became known for his vocal political stances and philanthropic efforts. A staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.

“It’s the highest honor or award you could possibly receive,” Holtz said at the time. “I receive it with mixed emotions… I’m humbled. There are many more people far worthy than me, I can assure you.”

Community Support

The news of Holtz entering hospice care has triggered a wave of “get well” messages and prayers from former players and colleagues. Broadcaster Tim Brando shared on social media, “Coach Holtz has always been a National Treasure… so many we’ve looked up to are eventually heading to their next life of eternal glory.”

Holtz celebrated his 89th birthday on January 6, 2026. While his family has not released a formal statement regarding the specific nature of his condition, the college football community continues to honor the man who famously taught his players that “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.”