Lou Holtz, who spent 13 games as head coach of the Jets in 1976 and later won 100 games at Notre Dame and guided the Irish to the 1988 National Championship, has died. He was 89.
On Feb. 10, 1976, the Jets hired Holtz out of the college ranks. He had led North Carolina State to a 33-12-3mark and four bowl appearances in as many seasons before joining the Green & White.
"I have great confidence in myself," Holtz said at his introductory press conference. "I believe in God, Lou Holtz and the New York Jets in that order. Coaching is coaching no matter what level you're at. You need a good staff and you need athletes and you need people who want to win. That's what I intend to have here."
But with a young team, the Jets struggled and went 3-10. With one game remaining, Holtz accepted an offer to return to the college ranks at Arkansas..
"I can't give professional football my heart," Holtz said. "God did not put Lou Holtz on this earth for that."
While success proved fleeting in his one season with the Jets, Holtz became a Hall of Fame college coach. At six different stops, Holtz compiled a 249-132-7 mark including a 12-8-2 record in bowl games. His family released a statement on social media Wednesday, stating that he had passed away in Orlando, FL, surrounded by his family.
"Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics. Over a remarkable five decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. Holtz was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service."
Holtz was known as a master motivator, and he was a great storyteller. His 1988 season at Notre Dame began a 64-9-1 (.871) for the Irish including a 23-game win streak. He repeatedly gave back to Notre Dame throughout his life and some of his former players developed Holtz's Heroes, a charitable foundation that supports former student-athletes facing financial, physical, or mental hardships, provides scholarship aid to deserving youth and serves communities in need through charitable works.
"Everybody needs four things in life: Something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in and something to hope for," he said.
