Christendom College mourns the passing of legendary football coach and friend of the college Lou Holtz, who died March 4 at the age of 89. One of the most successful coaches in college football history, Holtz leaves behind a remarkable legacy both in athletics and as a fervent Catholic whose faith inspired athletes, fans, and countless others across the nation.
Holtz is best known for his 11 seasons as head coach at the University of Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988. In thirty-four years as a coach, Holtz won five bowl games with different teams — the only head coach to ever do so — ultimately earning him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Throughout his public life, Holtz spoke openly about the importance of his Catholic faith. In 2013, Holtz was featured in a popular “Catholics Come Home” television commercial, released during college bowl week. Holtz’s rallying half-time pep talk urged viewers to focus on heaven and partake in scripture and the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, resulting in thousands of viewers going online to learn more about the Catholic Church.
Holtz’s inspiring speeches earned him accolades across the nation, as he encouraged people to strive for virtue and seek to overcome seemingly impossible challenges by setting goals and working to achieve them.
Over the course of his career, Holtz also authored several books, including Winning Every Day: The Game Plan for Success, Wins, Losses, and Lessons, and Three Rules for Living a Good Life. In recognition of his influence both on and off the field, he received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded in December 2020.
In 2021, Christendom presented Holtz with the Pro Deo et Patria Award for Distinguished Service to God and Country. That same year, he delivered the college’s Commencement Address, offering words that will continue to ring true long after his passing.
“Life is nothing more than making good choices,” Holtz said. “How can you make sure you make good choices? You only have to follow three simple rules your whole life: do what’s right, do everything to the best of your ability, and show people you care. God did not put us on this earth to be average.”
Holtz surely did not live an average life, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. While he devoted much of his life to coaching and mentoring athletes, he was, above all, devoted to his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beth, and is survived by their four children and nine grandchildren.
The entire Christendom community mourns his passing and gives thanks for the extraordinary example of faith, leadership, and service that he leaves behind.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.