Lou Holtz’s son makes statement after legendary coach’s concerning health update

Kevin Holtz issues a family statement regarding the health and hospice care of legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz.

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz is in hospice care. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

The college football world is turning its attention to Orlando as one of the most recognizable figures in the sport's history faces a significant personal hurdle.

Lou Holtz, the 89-year-old former coach who became a household name through his fiery sideline presence and television analysis, has moved into hospice care. This transition marks a poignant moment for a man whose storied professional journey spanned over half a century and touched numerous high-profile programs.

In September, Holtz appeared in the public eye as an honorary captain during a matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While fans celebrated his contributions to both institutions during that event, the focus has now shifted to his well-being at his Florida residence.

His coaching career included revitalizing struggling rosters and achieving ultimate success at the national level during his highly publicized decade in South Bend.

Following reports of his declining health from various media outlets, his family chose to address the situation directly to provide clarity to his many supporters. Kevin Holtz, one of the coach’s children, acted as a spokesperson for the family to convey their current priorities and request for space.

This update serves as a formal acknowledgement of the difficulties the Hall of Famer is currently navigating as his loved ones gather by his side.

Kevin Holtz shares update on legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz health status

Kevin Holtz released a collective statement on behalf of his siblings, Luanne Altenbaumer, Skip Holtz, and Liz Holtz Messaglia, regarding their father. The family explained that the former coach is currently confronting a health challenge that requires a focus on his daily comfort.

They emphasized that their primary goal is to maintain his quality of life while receiving care within his own home. "As family has always been the highest importance to Coach, we are holding to each other and focusing on making every moment and day count," the statement read.

The children are staying close and requested privacy while they manage this journey. The family also included a reference to Psalm 41:3 to reflect their current perspective on the situation.

Former Notre Dame Irish head coach Lou Holtz on the sideline against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium in 1989. | RVR Photos-Imagn Images

This update follows a professional life defined by an incredible ability to transform programs into winners. Holtz finished his collegiate tenure with 249 victories and a winning percentage of .651 across 33 seasons on the sidelines.

He remains the only individual to ever lead six different schools to bowl appearances. He also notably guided four separate programs to top 15 finishes in the national rankings.

While his 100 wins at Notre Dame place him among the school's most successful coaches, his impact was felt nationwide. He orchestrated a turnaround at South Carolina and led Arkansas to a victory over Oklahoma in the 1977 Orange Bowl.

His success earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020. He later became a fixture among fans as a studio analyst on ESPN programs such as College Football Live.