Lou Holtz’s Family Denies False Death Rumors

Recent rumors regarding the death of Lou Holtz have been officially refuted by his family. Holtz, a renowned college football coach, entered hospice care last week at the age of 89.

Lou Holtz’s Family Denies False Death Rumors

On Saturday, social media circulated misleading reports claiming that Holtz had passed away. His son, Skip Holtz, addressed these rumors early Sunday, emphasizing that his father is still alive and fighting. In a heartfelt message posted on X, Skip expressed gratitude for the support received from fans. He stated, “Dad is 89 and he is STILL fighting the fight. Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock. Cherishing the time we still have together in Orlando.”

The Holtz Family’s Statement

Earlier in the weekend, another of Lou’s sons, Kevin Holtz, issued a statement on behalf of the family. They emphasized their desire to keep Lou comfortable in his home in Orlando and requested privacy as they spend valuable time together.

Background on Lou Holtz

Holtz’s entry into hospice care was first reported on January 31, 2026, by journalist Kyle Sutherland of On3. A distinguished figure in college football, Holtz has not coached since 2004, but he has remained a prominent voice in the sport.

Throughout his career, Holtz coached five college programs, including:

• Arkansas, with a 60-21-2 record and a stunning upset of Oklahoma in the 1977 Orange Bowl.
• Minnesota, where he stayed for a brief two years.
• Notre Dame, where he spent 11 illustrious seasons, achieving a remarkable 100-30-2 record and winning a national championship in 1988, along with five major bowl titles.
• South Carolina, concluding his coaching career with 249 overall wins.

After retiring, Holtz became a familiar face on ESPN, where he spent a decade as an analyst. He was part of the popular trio on College Football Final, alongside Mark May and Rece Davis, providing commentary and analysis that captivated audiences.

Lou Holtz remains an iconic figure in college football history, and as his family focuses on spending quality time with him, they continue to request privacy during this challenging period.