Lou Holtz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Lou Holtz. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1970: Southern Conference Title with William & Mary

In 1970, Lou Holtz led the William & Mary Indians to the Southern Conference title, securing a spot in the Tangerine Bowl.

1978: Orange Bowl Victory Over Oklahoma

In 1978, Lou Holtz led Arkansas to a 31-6 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl, despite key player losses before the game.

1982: Bluebonnet Bowl Victory

In 1982, Lou Holtz and his team finished with a 9-2-1 record after a Bluebonnet Bowl victory over Florida.

1983: Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame

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

1985: Independence Bowl victory

In 1985, Lou Holtz's team at Minnesota was invited to the Independence Bowl, where they defeated Clemson, 20-13. Holtz did not coach in the game, due to already accepting the Notre Dame position.

1988: National Championship with Notre Dame

In 1988, Lou Holtz's Notre Dame team achieved a 12-0 record and won the Fiesta Bowl, securing the consensus national championship.

1989: National Championship Win

In 1989, Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to win 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.

1990: Golden Plate Award

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

1998: Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame

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

May 1, 2008: Election to College Football Hall of Fame

On May 1, 2008, Lou Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

September 13, 2008: Statue Unveiled

On September 13, 2008, Lou Holtz was invited back to Notre Dame's campus for the unveiling of his statue.

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.

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 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.

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.