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 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

January 6, 1937: Louis Leo Holtz Born

On January 6, 1937, Louis Leo Holtz was born. He later became a successful American 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 and earned a commission as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

July 22, 1961: Marriage to Beth Barcus

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

1983: Elected to Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame

In 1983, Lou Holtz was elected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

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.

1990: Golden Plate Award

In 1990, Lou Holtz received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

1998: Elected to Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame

In 1998, Lou Holtz was elected to the Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame.

1999: Hosted Dan Quayle Fundraising Tour

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 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.

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.

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.

April 19, 2012: Induction into Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame

On April 19, 2012, Lou Holtz was inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame.

December 17, 2012: Honorary Doctorate from University of 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 honored Lou Holtz by naming a program the Lou Holtz Master of Science in Leadership Program.

May 9, 2015: Honorary Doctorate from Franciscan University of Steubenville

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, most likely caused by a lightning strike.

2016: Endorsed Donald Trump for President

In 2016, Lou Holtz endorsed Donald Trump for president.

June 30, 2020: Death of Beth Barcus Holtz

On June 30, 2020, Beth Barcus Holtz, wife of Lou Holtz, died from cancer.

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."