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President Donald Trump paid tribute to the late legendary football coach Lou Holtz on Thursday following Holtz’s death Wednesday at the age of 89.
Trump shared a tribute to Holtz in a Truth Social post.
Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz listens before being presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House in Washington, DC on December 3, 2020. (Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“The wonderful Lou Holtz passed away yesterday, so sad. Lou was an absolute WINNER both on and off the field. Not only did he spearhead Notre Dame’s HISTORIC undefeated season in 1988 (including the legendary 31-30 ‘Catholics v. Convicts’ Victory against Miami), he raised giants Millions upon the Millions-for-Athlete University of the Millions. (Go Irish!),” Trump wrote.
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“He was also a true American patriot who supported me through thick and thin, consistently speaking out against Democrat insanity, including ‘Transgender for Everybody’ and the illegal alien invasion.
“It is for all this incredible work that I presented Lou Holtz with our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rest in peace, Lou. Because of patriots like you, we have made America GREAT AGAIN! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Holtz was a known supporter of Trump and even said in February 2024 that Trump needed to “train America back to greatness!”
Near the end of Trump’s first term, shortly after former President Joe Biden defeated him in the 2020 election, Trump awarded Holtz the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Holtz, who also spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention, was humbled by the honor.
“It’s the highest honor or award you can possibly receive, and I receive it with mixed emotions. First of all, I’m humbled,” Holtz said.Fox & Friends” afterwards. “There are many more people far more worthy than I, I assure you.
“No one is more grateful than me. So I’m thrilled to have this opportunity, and at the same time, I’m thrilled to receive it from President Trump. I admire and respect the president. I think he did a great job.”
At the time, Holtz also called Trump “one of the great presidents of my lifetime.”
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President Donald Trump presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz at the White House in Washington, DC December 3, 2020. (Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Holtz was the first coach in NCAA history taking six different football programs to bowls, including William & Mary (1969-71), NC State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83) and South Carolina (1999-2004). The only team he was unable to accomplish the feat with was Minnesota, which he managed from 1984-85.
Holtz finished his coaching career with a record of 249-132-7 in 388 games. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
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