Lou Holtz, one of college football’s most iconic figures, remains in hospice care, but his son Skip Holtz offered a heartfelt update Sunday that painted a picture of resilience, love, and family strength.
“Dad is 89 and he is STILL fighting the fight!” Skip wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock. Cherishing the time we still have together in Orlando.”
It’s a poignant moment for the Holtz family, and one that’s resonating deeply across the college football community. Earlier in the week, Lou’s son Kevin had shared that the Hall of Fame coach was facing a serious health issue. Since then, messages of support have poured in, and Skip’s post served as both a thank-you and a gentle correction to false reports that had circulated Saturday night suggesting Lou had passed away.
If you’ve followed college football at all over the last few decades, Lou Holtz is a name you know - and probably respect. He’s a walking piece of the sport’s history, most notably for his legendary run at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996. That era, especially the undefeated 1988 season that ended with a national title and a Fiesta Bowl win, cemented his place among the coaching greats.
But Holtz’s legacy stretches far beyond South Bend. His coaching journey began at William & Mary and included stops at NC State, Minnesota, Arkansas, and South Carolina - where he wrapped up his coaching career in 2004. Along the way, he became known not just for winning games, but for molding young men and building programs with discipline, identity, and heart.
After retiring from the sidelines, Holtz didn’t exactly fade into the background. He transitioned into broadcasting, bringing his trademark mix of wit, insight, and passion to ESPN for over a decade. In 2008, he was rightfully inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame - a fitting capstone for a career that shaped the sport on and off the field.
FOX Sports broadcaster Tim Brando summed it up well in a post of his own: “Lou has always been a national treasure.” That sentiment is being echoed from fans, players, and fellow coaches alike.
Holtz, who turned 89 on January 6, continues to fight - a competitor to the end. And while no one knows how much time remains, what’s clear is that Lou Holtz’s impact is already timeless.