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ORLANDO, Fla. - An influential man known for his decades of experience and expertise in college athletics has died.
The family of Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz announced his passing on March 4. Holtz was 89 years old.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: Former football coach Lou Holtz arrives for a news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on September 4, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Trump took questions on a variety of topics, including …
What we know:
Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz – born on Jan. 6, 1937 – died after multiple reports that he had entered hospice care in January. He died in Orlando surrounded by his family.
In a released statement, Holtz's family said he's remembered for "his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potenital of others."
A mass is set to take place at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame.
Holtz is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Who is Lou Holtz?
Holtz spent 34 years coaching both college and professional football teams, including the College of William & Mary, North Carolina State University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Minnesota, Notre Dame and the University of South Carolina.
He is perhaps best known for an 11-season stint as Notre Dame’s head coach. In 1988, he led the Irish to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship.
Holtz instituted the "Play Like A Champion Today" sign outside of the Notre Dame locker room that players still honor in the present day.
Holtz ended his career in South Carolina, where he was head coach for six seasons from 1999-2004. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 03: President Donald Trump presents the Medal of Freedom to former college football coach Lou Holtz in the Oval Office of the White House on December 3, 2020 in Washington, DC. Holtz is best known for his time as head coach …
In December 2020, Holtz was awarded the Medal of Freedom in the Oval Office by President Donald Trump.
"Wherever Lou went, football glory followed," President Donald Trump said in 2020 when he gave Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Tributes to Lou Holtz
What they're saying:
Current Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman issued a statement following news of Holtz's passing, saying, "I shared a very special relationship (with Lou). He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together."
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from the University of Notre Dame as well as reporting from FOX Sports and the National Football Foundation.