The family of Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz is speaking out about the 89-year-old’s health following the revelation that he has entered hospice care.

After rumors began circulating on social media suggesting Holtz had passed away, his son, Skip Holtz, took to X to set the record straight — and to express gratitude for the prayers and support pouring in.

“He is STILL fighting the fight!” Skip wrote. “Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock. Cherishing the time we still have together in Orlando.”

Appreciate everyone’s text and prayers.
Dad is 89 and he is STILL fighting the fight! Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock. 🙏Cherishing the time we still have together in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/1JD6IkaE4L

— Skip Holtz (@CoachSHoltz) February 1, 2026

The message prompted prayers and support from across the sports community, offering reassurance while also pointing to the family’s faith during a tender and uncertain season. Skip, who most recently served as head coach of the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, emphasized trust in God’s timing rather than speculation fueled by online rumors.

An insider close to the Holtz family confirmed to South Bend-based ABC57 that the College Football Hall of Famer had entered hospice care. While hospice often marks a season of physical decline, it is also frequently described as a space for peace, reflection, and presence — themes reflected in Skip’s message.

As news spread, several longtime colleagues and friends shared heartfelt tributes honoring Holtz’s life, legacy, and character.

“Oh at some point I think we all knew we’d be lucky to hold on to Lou and legends like him much longer,” Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando wrote on X. “So many we’ve looked up to and many I had the honor and privilege of not only covering, but working alongside eventually head to their next life of eternal glory.”

Brando added, “My thoughts are with his family, especially my dear friend @SkipHoltz, his wife Jen and their extended family. His beloved wife Beth awaits. Coach Holtz has always been a national treasure.”

Holtz’s coaching career spanned more than four decades and left a lasting imprint on college football. A former Kent State linebacker, he began his coaching journey in 1960 as an assistant at Iowa. He earned his first head coaching job in 1969 at William & Mary before stops at several programs across the country.

In 1976, Holtz briefly entered the professional ranks as head coach of the New York Jets, a tenure that lasted just 13 games before he resigned. A decade later, he arrived at Notre Dame, where he would cement his legacy. Coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996, Holtz led the program to a national championship in 1988 and finished his tenure in South Bend with a 100-30-2 record.

After leaving Notre Dame, Holtz spent time in broadcasting before returning to coaching at South Carolina in 1999. He officially retired in 2004, closing out a storied career with an overall record of 249-132-7.

Beyond wins and championships, Holtz has long been known for his humility and openness about faith, often crediting God for his successes and emphasizing character over accolades.

Now, as his family walks through this season together, Skip Holtz’s words serve as a reminder of where their hope rests — not in headlines or timelines, but in the hands of God.