Lou Holtz, Who Coached Notre Dame To The 1988 National Title, Dies At 89

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Lou Holtz, nan College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to nan 1988 nationalist title and won 249 games complete 33 seasons astatine six schools, has died. He was 89.

Notre Dame announced connected Wednesday that Holtz died successful Orlando, Fla., surrounded by his family. Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said a origin of decease was not provided by nan family.

Holtz became nan first and truthful acold only coach to lead six different teams to vessel games during a profession successful which he compiled a grounds of 249-132-7. He still ranks 10th all-time successful profession victories by a Football Bowl Subdivision coach, eighth all-time pinch 388 games coached.

At Notre Dame, he went 100-30-2 successful 11 seasons producing some nan third-highest triumph full successful schoolhouse history and nan second-highest nonaccomplishment total.

Holtz won astatine each extremity — isolated from for a little stint successful nan NFL.

He didn’t conscionable triumph games, either. The diminutive coach captivated fans pinch his occasionally fiery sideline demeanor, his self-deprecating wit and folksy phrases each while demanding excellence, connected and disconnected nan field, from his overmuch larger players.

Holtz became specified a celebrated characteristic that aft coaching his past game, successful 2004 pinch South Carolina, he parlayed that into a broadcasting profession and motivational speaking.