Former New York Jets head coach and college football legend Lou Holtz passed away on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando, Fla., his family reported (per his official X account).
Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia,…
— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026
Lou Holtz is an undisputed part of New York Jets history.
He coached the Jets in 1976, his lone stint in the NFL. That season, Holtz went 3-13 before he resigned with one game remaining in the regular season (replaced on an interim basis by Mike Holovak).
Holtz is best known for his work in college football.
The West Virginia native spent 33 seasons in college. His most notable tenure was spent in front of Touchdown Jesus (The Word of Life Mural), when he coached Notre Dame from 1986 through the 1996 season.
Holtz won a national championship with Notre Dame in 1988, the most recent title for the Fighting Irish. He finished his Notre Dame career with a record of 100-30-2.
While best known with the Fighting Irish, Holtz also led NC State, Arkansas, and South Carolina to multiple bowl wins throughout his tenure. His total career record in college was a resounding 249-132-7.
He ranks 10th all-time in FBS wins. When taking all of college football into account, Holtz ranks 34th — ahead of the likes of Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, Jim Tressel, and Steve Spurrier.
Holtz was an avid motivational speaker off the field, known as a strong connector with young men. While his work struggled in his lone season with the Jets, Holtz worked with ESPN for decades after his time on the sideline was done.
Lou Holtz is survived by his four children — Luanne, Lou “Skip” Junior, Kevin, and Elizabeth — nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Beth, his wife, preceded him in death.
He was 89.