Former Ohio State assistant coach Lou Holtz died at the age of 89, his family announced on Wednesday. Holtz was an assistant under Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes in 1968, and had stints as a head coach at William & Mary, NC State, the NFL’s New York Jets, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina.
“Holtz is remembered for his endearing values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others,” his family wrote in a statement on Wednesday. “His influence extended beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.”
Holtz was the defensive backs coach of the 1968 team, led by the “super sophomores,” that won the national championship. Twenty years later, Holtz won a national championship as the head coach of the Fighting Irish.
