Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lou Holtz

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lou Holtz made an impact.

Lou Holtz is a prominent American former college football coach and television analyst, renowned for his successful career spanning multiple universities and even a brief stint in the NFL. He notably coached at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina, achieving a college coaching record of 249–132–7. His most significant accomplishment was leading Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1988, culminating in a national championship. Holtz stands out as the only college coach to guide six different programs to bowl games and four to final top 15 rankings, marking him as a highly influential figure in college football.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: Graduation from Kent State University

In 1959, Lou Holtz graduated from Kent State University with a degree in history and earned a commission as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

1969: First Head Coaching Job at William & Mary

In 1969, Lou Holtz began his first job as head coach at the College of William & Mary.

1970: William & Mary Wins Southern Conference Title

In 1970, Holtz led the William & Mary Indians to the Southern Conference title and a berth in the Tangerine Bowl.

1972: Move to North Carolina State University

In 1972, Lou Holtz moved to North Carolina State University as head coach.

1973: North Carolina State Wins ACC Championship

In 1973, Holtz's team at North Carolina State won the ACC Championship.

1975: Accepts Head Coach position for the New York Jets

Following the 1975 season, Lou Holtz accepted an offer to leave college football and become the head coach of the NFL's New York Jets.

February 10, 1976: Appointment as New York Jets Head Coach

On February 10, 1976, Lou Holtz was appointed head coach of the New York Jets.

1977: Move to University of Arkansas

In 1977, Lou Holtz became the coach at the University of Arkansas.

1978: Razorbacks in Orange Bowl

In 1978, Holtz led the 1977 Razorbacks to the Orange Bowl where they defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 31-6 despite losing key players before the game.

1984: Accepts Head Coaching Job at Minnesota

In 1984, Lou Holtz accepted the head coaching job at the University of Minnesota.

1985: Minnesota Invited to Independence Bowl

In 1985, the Minnesota team was 7-5 and were invited to the Independence Bowl, where they defeated Clemson, 20–13.

1986: Takes Over Notre Dame Football Program

In 1986, Lou Holtz left Minnesota to take over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program and had the names removed from the backs of the players' jerseys wanting to emphasize team effort.

1988: Cotton Bowl Classic Appearance

In 1988, Lou Holtz led the Fighting Irish to an appearance in the Cotton Bowl Classic, where the Irish lost to the Texas A&M Aggies, 35–10.

1989: Notre Dame Claims National Championship

In 1989, Notre Dame won all eleven of their regular season games and defeated the third-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers, 34–21, in the Fiesta Bowl, claiming the national championship.

1993: Ended Season Ranked Second in AP Poll

Lou Holtz's 1993 Irish team ended the season with an 11–1 record and ranked second in the final AP poll. Florida State Seminoles were voted national champion.

1994: Coach Episode Appearance

In 1994, Lou Holtz appeared in an episode of Coach, where Hayden Fox covertly travels to sign a place kicker, only to find Lou Holtz has already signed him for Notre Dame.

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1996: Left Notre Dame After Season

Lou Holtz left Notre Dame after the 1996 season, leading to rumors about him taking a head coaching position with the Minnesota Vikings.

1999: Came Out of Retirement to Coach South Carolina

After two seasons as a commentator for CBS Sports, Holtz came out of retirement in 1999 and returned to the University of South Carolina.

1999: Hosted Dan Quayle Fundraising Tour

In 1999, Lou Holtz hosted former Vice President Dan Quayle in a fundraising tour.

2000: South Carolina Wins Outback Bowl

In his second season, 2000, South Carolina went 8–4, winning the Outback Bowl over the heavily favored Ohio State Buckeyes, leading to Holtz receiving National Coach of the Year honors.

2001: South Carolina Wins Another Outback Bowl

In his third season, 2001, Holtz's success continued, leading the Gamecocks to a 9–3 record and another Outback Bowl victory over Ohio State.

November 18, 2004: Holtz Announces Retirement

On November 18, 2004, Lou Holtz announced that he would retire at the end of the season.

November 20, 2004: Brawl at Clemson Game and Bowl Game Decline

On November 20, 2004, during Lou Holtz's last regular season game against Clemson, a major brawl occurred. The two universities penalized their football programs for unsportsmanlike conduct by declining any bowl game invitations. Holtz reflected that he would be remembered along with Woody Hayes for having a fight at the Clemson game.

2004: Finished South Carolina Tenure

Lou Holtz finished his South Carolina tenure on a winning note with a 6–5 record in 2004, leaving a legacy of resurrected Gamecock Football.

2005: NCAA Sanctions Imposed

In 2005, the NCAA placed the program on three years probation and reduced two scholarships due to ten admitted violations, five of which were major, under Lou Holtz. These violations included improper tutoring, off-season workouts, and a lack of institutional control. No games were forfeited, and no television or postseason ban was imposed.

2007: Spoke at House Republicans Strategy Meeting

In 2007, Lou Holtz spoke at a House Republicans strategy meeting.

2008: Contribution to Hillary Clinton Campaign

In 2008, Lou Holtz contributed $2,300 to the campaign of Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

2008: Elected to College Football Hall of Fame

In 2008, Lou Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions and achievements in college football.

2008: Adolf Hitler Comment

In 2008, while appearing on College Football Live, Lou Holtz referenced Adolf Hitler in an on-air comment while analyzing Michigan Wolverines head coach Rich Rodriguez. He sarcastically stated, "Ya know, Hitler was a great leader, too." The next day, Holtz apologized for the comment.

2009: Considered Congressional Run

In 2009, Lou Holtz considered entering the Republican primary for a congressional seat in Florida.

November 2011: Discover Card Commercial Appearance

In November 2011, Lou Holtz appeared as himself in a Discover Card commercial.

April 12, 2015: Departure from ESPN

On April 12, 2015, it was reported that Lou Holtz was leaving ESPN.

2016: Endorsed Donald Trump for President

In 2016, Lou Holtz endorsed Donald Trump for president.

August 26, 2020: Spoke at Republican National Convention

On August 26, 2020, Lou Holtz spoke at the Republican National Convention endorsing Trump for re-election and stating that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was "a Catholic in name only."