On Thursday, reports surfaced that former Notre Dame and Arkansas college football coach Lou Holtz, who retired from Notre Dame in 1996, has entered hospice care.
Various outlets confirmed the news, one being ABC57, which shared, “A source close to the family confirmed with ABC57 that Notre Dame legend, Lou Holtz, has reportedly entered into hospice care at the age of 89.”
ABC57 added, “Holtz held the position of head coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996 where he led the Irish to a perfect 12-0 season in 1988 with a National Championship and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 1989.”
HawgBeat’s Kyle Sutherland also shared the sad news, stating in a post on X, “I have confirmed College Football Hall of Famer Lou Holtz is in hospice care. Holtz was the head coach at Arkansas from 1977-83 where he compiled a 60-21-2 record and won three bowl games, including the famed upset over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.”
Following the news, Holtz is getting an outpouring of support from fans and those in the football world.
“Oh, at some point I think we all knew we’d be lucky to hold on to Lou and legends like him much longer,” Tim Brando of Fox Sports said in a post on X. “So many we’ve looked up to and many I had the honor and privilege of not only covering, but working alongside eventually head to their next life of eternal glory. My thoughts are with his family, especially my dear friend, Skip Holtz his wife Jen and their extended family. His beloved wife Beth awaits.” He added that Holtz “has always been a national treasure.”
More sports news:Â Ole Miss Slapped With Second Tampering Allegation Amid Investigation
Former college coach and current ESPN analyst Dick Vitale stated, “Coach Holtz has inspired and motivated so many for years including me during my battles with cancer.” He added to please say a prayer for the coach and “God, please help coach at this tough time.”
“He loves you, admires you and cherishes your friendship coach (Dick Vitale),” the X account for Holtz’s Heroes Foundation said in reply. “Two peas in a pod… humble beginnings, big dreams, strong faith, beautiful spouses, gorgeous families and countless individuals positively impacted.”
While Holtz left Notre Dame in 1996, he didn’t retire from coaching until his 2004 season at South Carolina. While at Notre Dame, Holtz coached the 1987 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and College Football Hall of Famers Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, Michael Stonebreaker, Aaron Taylor and Chris Zorich.
More sports news:Â Indiana, Curt Cignetti Could Lose Prominent Play-Caller Amid NFL Interest
Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, according to the official Notre Dame website, and “instituted several traditions at Notre Dame that carry on to this very day.”
Our hearts go out to Holtz and his family during this difficult time.