FAYETTEVILLE — Lou Holtz, the College Football Hall of Fame coach who turned the Arkansas Razorbacks into a national contender during his 1977-1983 tenure and delivered one of the program’s most iconic victories, died Wednesday at age 89 in Orlando, Florida.
Holtz’s family announced his passing through the University of Notre Dame, where he later won the 1988 national championship. He had entered hospice care in late January amid ongoing health issues, though family members had previously refuted early rumors of his death at that time. No specific cause was released.
The Fayetteville native compiled a 60-21-2 record at Arkansas, leading the Razorbacks to six bowl appearances and three bowl wins. His most celebrated achievement came in the 1978 Orange Bowl, when his first Arkansas team stunned No. 2 Oklahoma 31-6 — a victory that helped Notre Dame secure the national title that season following the Irish’s Cotton Bowl win over Texas.
Holtz succeeded longtime Arkansas coach Frank Broyles and posted an 11-1 mark in his debut 1977 season. In 1979, he guided the Razorbacks to a Southwest Conference championship with a 10-2 record and a Sugar Bowl berth. His winning percentage at Arkansas ranks among the highest in program history.
After departing for Minnesota in 1984, Holtz enjoyed further success at Notre Dame (100-30-2 over 11 seasons, including the undefeated 1988 national champions), as well as earlier stops at William & Mary and North Carolina State and later at South Carolina. His overall college coaching record was 249-132-7. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
In retirement, Holtz became a familiar ESPN college football analyst until 2015, known for his motivational approach and candid commentary.
He is survived by his children, including sons Skip and Kevin, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife, Beth Holtz, died in 2020.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced, though a memorial service is anticipated at the University of Notre Dame in the coming weeks.