Lou Holtz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 5, 2026

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

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

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.

1973: North Carolina State Wins ACC Championship

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

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.

1983: Elected to Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame

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

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.

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.

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.

September 13, 2008: Statue Unveiled at Notre Dame

On September 13, 2008, Lou Holtz was invited back to the Notre Dame campus where a statue of the former coach was unveiled.

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.

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.