Holtz’s coaching career spanned 33 years in college football, highlighted by two major stints at Arkansas and Notre Dame. He led the Fighting Irish for 11 seasons (1986-1996), compiling a 110-30-2 record and capturing the 1988 national championship with a perfect 12-0 season and a 23-game winning streak.
Holtz’s impact extended beyond the win column, shaping the culture of Notre Dame football. The iconic “Play Like A Champion Today” sign became a symbol of the program’s locker-room ethos and is widely associated with his leadership.
After Notre Dame, Holtz transitioned to broadcast, serving as a college football analyst for CBS Sports for two seasons before becoming a prominent ESPN commentator. Tim Brando recalled their experiences—“All About Us Dinners” on Friday nights—where Holtz’s storytelling and knack for diagramming plays left a lasting impression on colleagues and viewers alike.
Holtz’s career began with playing at Kent State and starting his coaching path as an assistant in 1960. His first head coaching roles came at William & Mary and NC State, with a later foray into the NFL ending for the Jets after a 3-10 season; his broader impact on the sport far outweighed those shorter stints.
In addition to his on-field success, Holtz received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020 from President Donald Trump, who praised his life and leadership. Holtz’s philanthropic work—supporting Catholic Charities, the Women’s Care Foundation, and the Center for the Homeless in South Bend, along with scholarships and medical equipment donations—underscores a legacy that extends beyond football.
