Amid the memories of recently-deceased former Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz, his introductory press conference in 1986 uniquely encapsulated his wit, his character and his drive to coach before he became a college football legend.
Holtz’s family announced his death on Wednesday at the age of 89 after weeks in an Orlando hospice. He coached the Fighting Irish for 11 years, won a national title in 1988, coached in nine Jan. 1 bowl games, and became the third-winningest coach in the program’s history.
When Holtz came to Notre Dame, he was coming off of two mediocre seasons with Minnesota, and the Fighting Irish were likewise stuck in mediocrity despite a glorious past. The media asked him if there was “an escape clause in this contract” he signed with Notre Dame.
“Other than for survival, no,” Holtz quipped as the media and officials in the room laughed.
Holtz had a lifelong dream of coaching the Irish, growing up in East Liverpool, Ohio. He played college football at Kent State before he got into coaching, but he admitted he “never thought” coaching the Irish would happen.
“I’m mean, I’m 5-feet-10, 152 pounds, wear glasses, speak with a lisp, and have a physique that appears that I’ve been afflicted with beriberi scurvy most of my life,” Holtz humorously said. “And I ranked 234 in a class of 278 coming out of high school. I couldn’t get into Notre Dame. I couldn’t even get into St. Vincent’s in Latrobe. I had to go to a state institution because they had to take you. And here I am as head football coach at Notre Dame.”
“I just can’t say no,” Holtz concluded as the media laughed.
By saying yes instead, Holtz became a College Football Hall of Fame coach and a major figure in the sport over the past four decades before his recent passing.
Lou Holtz Became a Notre Dame Legend Beyond the Gridiron
While Holtz coached a stint at South Carolina after Notre Dame, he maintained his ties to the Fighting Irish long after his coaching career in philanthropic ventures and ceremonial appearances.
“Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime,” Notre Dame president Rev. Robert Dowd said in a statement on Wednesday.
“In the years since leaving the head football coach position, Lou, together with his beloved wife Beth, supported Notre Dame in innumerable ways, among them making possible the refurbishment of four residence hall chapels and the construction of the Beth and Lou Holtz Grand Reading Room on the first floor of Hesburgh Library – tangible signs of their great love for their Catholic faith and the mission of Our Lady’s University,” Dowd added.
“Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed,” Dowd continued. “The prayers of the entire Notre Dame community are with his family and many friends in this time of sorrow. May he rest in the peace and love of Christ.”
Lou Holtz Left Behind 2 Traditions at Notre Dame
While Holtz only spent a decade as the Irish coach, he left behind two traditions that still stand in the football program.
Holtz instituted the “Play Like a Champion” sign that the players tap on the way into the lock room at Notre Dame Stadium. The Fighting Irish also stopped wearing names on the back of their jerseys during Holtz’s tenure.
Lou Holtz’s First Notre Dame Appearance Was a Humorous Hit [Watch]