Lou Holtz

Lou Holtz is a distinguished former Football coach and analyst, recognized for leading numerous college programs to significant achievements and national recognition. After leading the University of Notre Dame to an undefeated 12-0 season, a Fiesta Bowl victory, and a consensus national championship in 1988, Lou Holtz established himself as one of college football’s most distinguished coaches. He achieved an impressive career college head coaching record of 249-132-7 and holds the unique distinction of being the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games and to guide four different programs to final top 20 rankings. Holtz began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa in 1960 and later served as an assistant coach at institutions including William & Mary (1961-1963), Connecticut (1964-1965), South Carolina (1966-1967), and Ohio State (1968), where the Buckeyes won a national championship during his tenure.

He joined ESPN in 2005, providing expert commentary until 2015, building on an earlier stint with CBS Sports in the 1990s. His enduring impact on the sport was further recognized with his election to the College Football Hall of Fame on May 1, 2008, an acknowledgment of his remarkable coaching legacy marked by significant team turnarounds and consistent performance. In recognition of his distinguished career and contributions, Lou Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020. Throughout his decades-long career, Holtz consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to inspire and lead teams to peak performance, solidifying his status as a revered figure in Football.