Early Life and Education of Lou Holtz: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Lou Holtz, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Lou Holtz is a celebrated former American college football coach and television analyst. He boasts an impressive college head coaching record of 249–132–7, accumulated across six different universities: William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He also briefly coached the New York Jets. Notably, his 1988 Notre Dame team achieved a perfect 12-0 season, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl victory and the consensus national championship. Holtz stands alone as the only college football coach to lead six separate programs to bowl games and guide four different programs to a final top 15 ranking.

Sections (4)

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

January 6, 1937: Birth of Lou Holtz

On January 6, 1937, Louis Leo Holtz was born. He later became a successful college football coach and television analyst.

Others born on this day/year

1959: Graduation from Kent State University

In 1959, Lou Holtz graduated from Kent State University with a degree in history. He was also commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

1960: Graduate Assistant at Iowa

In 1960, Lou Holtz began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa, where he also received his master's degree.

July 22, 1961: Marriage to Beth Barcus

On July 22, 1961, Lou Holtz married Beth Barcus.

1986: Taking Over Notre Dame

In 1986, Lou Holtz left Minnesota to take over the struggling Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program and removed names from the back of the players' jerseys.

1999: Fundraising Tour with Dan Quayle

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

November 18, 2004: Holtz Announces Retirement

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

November 20, 2004: Clemson – South Carolina Brawl

On November 20, 2004, during Lou Holtz's last regular season game, the Clemson – South Carolina brawl occurred. Both universities declined any bowl game invitations due to the unsportsmanlike conduct, ending Holtz's career without a post-season game.

2007: Speaks at House Republicans Strategy Meeting

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

2008: Contribution to Hillary Clinton's Campaign

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

2009: Considered Congressional Run

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

May 22, 2011: Honorary Doctor of Laws from Notre Dame

On May 22, 2011, Lou Holtz was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Notre Dame.

2011: Honorary Doctorate in Public Service and Trine Trustee

In 2011, Lou Holtz was awarded an honorary Doctor in Public Service from Trine University and elected to the board of trustees.

December 17, 2012: Honorary Doctor of Education from South Carolina

On December 17, 2012, Lou Holtz was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education from the University of South Carolina.

2013: Lou Holtz Master of Science in Leadership Program

In 2013, Trine University honored Lou Holtz by naming a program the Lou Holtz Master of Science in Leadership Program.

May 9, 2015: Honorary Doctorate in Communications

On May 9, 2015, Lou Holtz was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Communications from Franciscan University of Steubenville and delivered a commencement address.

June 23, 2015: House Fire at Lake Nona Home

On June 23, 2015, Lou Holtz's Lake Nona home was damaged by a house fire likely caused by a lightning strike.

2016: Endorsement of Donald Trump

In 2016, Lou Holtz endorsed Donald Trump for president.

June 30, 2020: Death of Beth Holtz

On June 30, 2020, Beth Barcus, the wife of Lou Holtz, passed away from cancer.

August 26, 2020: Speech at Republican National Convention

On August 26, 2020, Lou Holtz spoke at the Republican National Convention endorsing Donald Trump for re-election and stating that Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden was "a Catholic in name only." The University of Notre Dame released a statement the following day to distance itself from Holtz's comment regarding Biden.