Remembering Lou Holtz: Statements honoring the former coach

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Many are in mourning as news of Coach Lou Holtz's passing has been shared by his family.

Several people have shared how Coach Holtz has made an impact on their lives.

Current Notre Dame Football Head Coach, Marcus Freeman, shared on social media today, "Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust, and commitment."

Notre Dame University President, Father Robert Dowd, shared, "Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father, and grandfather...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."

Jerome Bettis, Notre Dame graduate of 1992, took to X, expressing how much Coach Holtz meant to him, "There are moments in life when words just aren’t enough. Losing Coach Holtz is one of those moments. Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family. I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life. Coach Holtz believed in people. He believed in building men, not just players. He welcomed my entire family into the Notre Dame family and always made sure we felt that love and support. That’s who he was. He cared deeply about the people around him, and he made every one of us feel like we mattered. The lessons he taught me went far beyond football. His faith, his discipline, his belief in doing things the right way shaped who I became as a man, a father, and a leader. My heart is broken today, but I’m also filled with gratitude for the time I had with him and for the impact he had on my life. Coach will always be with us—in the lessons he taught, in the lives he changed, and in the love he gave so freely. Thank you for everything, Coach. I love you. You will forever be in our hearts. Go Irish."

Former Notre Dame football player, Nick Mirer, also spoke out on X, saying, "Lou Holtz was more than a football figure. He was a true leader. One of one. He consistently encouraged others in life. The message never changed. Trust, Love, Commitment. Prayers to the entire Holtz family."

Coach Holtz's son, Skip Holtz, shared a photo of him and his father, captioning the post, "My father passed away today peacefully resting at home. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers over the last couple months! He was successful, but more importantly, he was significant."

Coach Holtz's impact both on and off the field will forever be remembered both in South Bend and across the world of football.