‘Good Luck to You. God Bless You.’ One Final Pep Talk From Legendary Football Coach Lou Holtz, 89 (Exclusive)

Lou Holtz, the legendary football coach who inspired millions, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 89. The Hall of Famer held a winning record across six college football programs and is best remembered for finishing a perfect 12-0 season by snagging the 1988 national title with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. But his greatest gift wasn’t the wins—it was his positive mindset. He was known for his ability to inspire and motivate people to make the most of their talents, even in the toughest moments. He did that for my family when he shared a private pep talk with us in December 2024. It’s proof that his legacy of lifting others up will live on forever. I’m sharing his message now to honor Coach Holtz and spread the encouragement he spent his lifetime sharing.

Coach Lou Holtz built a legacy of wins and wisdom

But first, a look back at Holtz’s remarkable career. Born Louis Leo Holtz in Follansbee, West Virginia, in 1937, he rose to fame on the football sidelines, where he inspired people to play like a champion on and off the field. His leadership earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also served as a TV analyst for CBS Sports and ESPN.

Holtz became a sought-after motivational speaker and bestselling author, bringing his life lessons to audiences far beyond the football stadium. His positivity was infectious because he lived by what he called his “Do Right” philosophy: Do the right thing, do the best you can and always show people you care.”

The final pep talk Coach Holtz gave my family

As lifelong Notre Dame fans, my family reached out to Holtz in December 2024 for words of encouragement as my dad faced serious health challenges. Holtz responded with a touching video message via the platform Cameo. And while Holtz was speaking directly to my dad in the two-minute video, his words apply to anyone who could use encouragement today.

Coach Holtz’s heartfelt private message of hope serves as a perfect reminder of the type of legacy he leaves behind. It reveals the kind soul he was when the crowds and cameras weren’t watching—a man who took time to encourage a stranger. Here, in classic Coach Holtz fashion, are the life lessons from his 2024 pep talk that we all need to hear…

Holtz shared, “For 11 years, I was head football coach at the University of Notre Dame. That was a great thrill and a great honor, but…when our oldest of four children was born, George Oliver—the team physician at [College of] William & Mary—told me: Coach, I don’t care how many championships you win. If you aren’t successful as a husband and father, you have failed.”

Be a cheerleader, offering hope and encouragement

In the video, Coach Holtz addressed the fact that my dad would be starting kidney dialysis with his characteristic warmth and honesty. Holtz said, “I also understand you’re having some difficulty with your kidneys at the present time. It’s not easy.” Then Holtz shared something deeply personal—the loss of his beloved wife Beth, who passed away in 2020. “I had a wife of 59 years who died of cancer. She lived for 22 years after they gave her six months to live!”

Believe that faith can be a superpower

A positive attitude is a powerful game plan. Reflecting on Beth’s remarkable survival, Holtz shared, “The main thing she tried to do was be a good inspiration to her family and people around her… And she survived for 22 years because she had a faith in God, but also because of her attitude, and she had good doctors.”

Always look forward to future opportunities to shine

Next, Coach Holtz offered another hopeful perspective to my dad—and all of us—that still sticks with my family today: “Congratulations on a very successful life, but don’t feel everything’s behind you, because you have a good future. More important is being a good inspiration to your family on how to handle adversity and difficulty.”

Lou’s legacy lives on

Coach Holtz’s message of encouragement lifted our spirits. And I hope it will provide some inner strength to anyone in need of a pep talk in the future. As for my dad? Two years later, he’s still here, enjoying life with his family and rooting for the Fighting Irish.

I’ll leave you with the words Holtz used to close his message to my dad—words that now feel like his final gift to all of us. A perfect farewell: “Good luck to you. God bless you. Go Irish!”