Legendary Coach & ESPN Analyst Lou Holtz’s Friends Are Asking For Prayers After Heartbreaking Health Update

He remains a huge fan favorite.

Former college football coach and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz has entered hospice care.

Holtz, a Notre Dame icon, led the program to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988. He coached the Fighting Irish for 11 seasons.

The 89-year-old worked as a coach for 33 years, winning 249 games in college. His tenure included stints at Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina and NC State.

He also coached in the NFL for one season, taking charge of the New York Jets in 1976. He resigned 10 months into the job after going 3-10 and famously said, “God did not put Lou Holtz on this earth to coach in the pros.”

The West Virginia native transitioned to television after coaching, working for ESPN from 2004 to 2015.

Dick Vitale Reacts To Heartbreaking Lou Holtz News

Dick Vitale (Photo via Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images)

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On3 first reported that Holts was entering hospice care. The outlet later confirmed this, citing family sources.

Dick Vitale, another iconic broadcaster, reacted to the news via X on Friday.

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“Coach Holtz has inspired and motivated so many for years, including me during my battles with cancer,” Vitale wrote. “Please people (sic) say [three prayer hand emojis] for Coach. GOD please help coach at this tough time. 

Many more have joined Vitale in paying tributes, including former players, coaches and colleagues.

A College Football Hall of Famer in 2008, Holtz was also presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.

News of his entry into hospice care has also triggered fond memories among fans. They recall his intensity on the sideline, as well as his knowledgeable television segments.

We at TPS wish him the very best. Our thoughts are also with his family.