According to major media reports, Holtz was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Beth, and is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The exact date of his death and the specific cause of death have not been disclosed. ' Holtz is most celebrated for his eleven-season tenure at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988.
Over a coaching career spanning 33 years, he amassed 249 wins across multiple programs, including Arkansas, South Carolina, and NC State. Beyond the sidelines, Holtz became a household name for a new generation as a sharp-witted analyst for ESPN from 2004 to 2015. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.