Lou Holtz

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Lou Holtz – Life, Career & Influence

Louis “Lou” Holtz (born January 6, 1937) is an American former college football coach, analyst, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. Explore his biography, coaching legacy, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Lou Holtz is one of the most celebrated and charismatic figures in American collegiate football. Over a coaching career spanning several decades, he revived programs, won major championships, and became a voice in motivational speaking and writing. His blend of discipline, faith, humor, and optimism made him beloved by players, colleagues, and fans alike.

Early Life & Education

• Full name: Louis Leo Holtz

• Born: January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia

• He grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio, in a working-class, Catholic family.

• Holtz graduated from East Liverpool High School and then attended Kent State University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in history.

• While at Kent State, he participated in ROTC and was commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserve’s Field Artillery.

Coaching Career & Achievements

Early Coaching & Assistant Roles

• Holtz’s coaching career began as an assistant:
  ?• 1960: Iowa (graduate assistant) ?• Then assistant positions at William & Mary, Connecticut, South Carolina, Ohio State, etc.

• His first head coaching job was at William & Mary (1969–1971)

Head Coach at Major Programs

• North Carolina State (1972–1975): He led the Wolfpack to a strong record, including a 1973 ACC Championship.

• New York Jets (1976): Holtz dove into the NFL, but his tenure was short and frustrating (3-11 record), and he resigned after one season.

• University of Arkansas (1977–1983): He revived the Razorbacks, compiled a 60–21–2 record, won a SWC title, and led them to multiple bowl appearances.

• University of Minnesota (1984–1985): His stay was brief and less notable.

• Notre Dame (1986–1996): This is where Holtz truly left his mark. In 1988, his Irish went 12–0 and won the national championship.

• University of South Carolina (1999–2004): After a period in broadcasting, he returned to coach South Carolina, turning around their program and earning bowl appearances.

Records & Honors

• His overall college head coaching record is 249–132–7.

• He is the only NCAA coach to lead six different programs to bowl games.

• In 2008, Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

• During his Notre Dame tenure, he won many awards (e.g. Bear Bryant Award, Coach of Year honors) tied to his national prominence.

Later Career & Activities

• After retiring from coaching, Holtz became a college football analyst. He worked with CBS Sports during the 1990s and later with ESPN.

• He also built a substantial presence as a motivational speaker and author. Holtz has published books such as Winning Every Day: The Game Plan for Success, Wins, Losses, and Lessons, The Fighting Spirit, and others.

• His speaking engagements often draw on leadership, faith, resilience, and teamwork.

Philosophy, Values & Style

Holtz is known for combining discipline, faith, optimism, and motivational language. His coaching style emphasized personal responsibility, team unity, and doing the right thing consistently. He is also candid, humorous, and direct, which made him resonate with players and audiences alike.

He often speaks about how attitude, effort, and character matter more than raw talent alone. His life and career reflect how setbacks (such as his short NFL stint) can be reframed as learning opportunities.

Notable Quotes

Here are some well-known quotes attributed to Lou Holtz (via sources such as BrainyQuote, AZQuotes, etc.):

• “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

• “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

• “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.”

• “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.”

• “Everybody is looking for instant success, but it doesn’t work that way. You build a successful life one day at a time.”

• “Teamwork is the foundation of success. The three universal questions that an individual asks of his coach, player, employee, employer are: Can I trust you? Are you committed to excellence? And, do you care about me?”

• “Don’t tell your problems to people: eighty percent don’t care; the other twenty percent are glad you have them.”

Lessons & Reflections

• Resilience in the face of adversity: Holtz’s career had highs and lows (including a tough NFL season), but he persevered.

• Leadership by example: He emphasized living the values he preached—consistency, fairness, caring.

• The power of attitude: He often stressed that one’s mindset is crucial in determining outcomes.

• Legacy beyond wins: His impact extends through his coaching tree, motivational work, and the lives he touched.