Lou Holtz ‘Still Fighting the Fight,’ Says Son Skip Amid Hospice Rumors
Lou Holtz, one of college football’s most iconic figures, is still with us-despite a wave of premature tributes that swept across social media this weekend. His son, Skip Holtz, stepped in on Sunday to clear the air and provide an update on his father’s condition, confirming that the legendary coach remains in hospice care but is continuing to fight.
“Dad is 89 and he is STILL fighting the fight!” Skip posted on social media, alongside a heartfelt photo of the two together in Orlando.
“Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock. Cherishing the time we still have together.”
It was a touching message that struck a chord with fans and former players alike, many of whom had already begun posting condolences after rumors of Holtz’s passing began to circulate on Saturday. The outpouring of love was real-but, as Skip emphasized, it was also premature.
Kyle Sutherland of Hawg Beat also addressed the situation later Saturday night, confirming via a source that Holtz had not passed away and was actually “feeling better” as of late evening on January 31.
Holtz’s presence in the sport stretches far beyond his win-loss record, though that alone is impressive. With a career head coaching mark of 249-132-7, Holtz carved out a legacy that spans decades, regions, and some of the most storied programs in college football.
Of course, he’s best known for his decade-long run at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988. That team-gritty, disciplined, and relentless-embodied everything Holtz stood for as a coach. He wasn’t just managing a roster; he was building a culture, one rooted in accountability, belief, and a whole lot of toughness.
But Holtz’s coaching journey didn’t begin-or end-in South Bend. SEC fans remember his time at South Carolina from 1999 to 2004, where he took over a struggling program and brought it back to relevance.
Before that, he led Arkansas from 1977 to 1983, back when the Razorbacks were still part of the old Southwest Conference. He earned Coach of the Year honors in both leagues-SWC in 1979 and SEC in 2000-further proof of his ability to adapt and succeed across eras and conferences.
In 2008, Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute for a coach whose impact went far beyond the sidelines. He was a motivator, a mentor, and a master of the moment-someone who could rally a team with a speech and outthink an opponent with a game plan.
Right now, the football world is holding its breath, hoping for more time with one of its most beloved figures. While the future remains uncertain, what’s clear is this: Lou Holtz is still here, still fighting, and still surrounded by the love of his family and the respect of a sport he helped shape.
And for now, that’s more than enough.