Former President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the passing of esteemed college football coach Lou Holtz, while also acknowledging Holtz’s vocal criticisms of the Democratic Party.

“He was a true American patriot, standing by me through thick and thin, and consistently voicing his opposition to Democratic policies, including ‘Transgender for Everybody’ and the Illegal Alien Invasion,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.

Holtz, who famously led Notre Dame to a national title and became an iconic figure in college football during the 1980s and 1990s, died at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida. In recent years, Holtz had become a political figure in his own right, actively supporting Trump during his campaign and at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

While the cause of Holtz’s death has not been disclosed, it was known that he had been placed in hospice care prior to his passing. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Beth, and is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In a heartfelt post, Trump remarked, “The wonderful Lou Holtz passed away yesterday, so sad. Lou was an absolute WINNER both on and off the field.”

Trump also reminisced about Notre Dame’s remarkable undefeated season in 1988, highlighting the memorable game against the University of Miami, widely known as ‘Catholics vs. Convicts,’ which referenced Miami’s off-field controversies at the time.

President Donald Trump presents the Medal of Freedom to former college football coach Lou Holtz in the Oval Office of the White House in December of 2020

President Donald Trump greets former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz at a campaign rally at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Trump speaks with the press alongside Holtz during a 2020 campaign stop in Pittsburgh

‘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 Millions upon Millions for struggling student-athletes, and the AMAZING University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!),’ Trump continued.

Trump also recalled honoring Hotlz at the White House during his first term in office.

‘It is for all this incredible work that I gave Lou Holtz our Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,’ Trump wrote. ‘Rest in Peace, Lou. Because of Patriots like you, we have made America GREAT AGAIN!’

Holtz made a number of appearances with Trump in recent years. 

In addition to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Trump’s first term, he also spoke in favor of the Republican’s candidacy during his doomed 2020 campaign.

‘Can you imagine what would happen to us if President Trump had not shown up in 2016 to run for President?’ Holtz told the crowd at the RNC. ‘I’m so glad he showed up. Thank you for showing up Mr. President.’

Holtz, the national title-winning college football coach who famously led Notre Dame in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away Wednesday at 89 in Orlando, Florida

Holtz became an outspoken supporter for Trump and stumped for the Republican in 2020

He will be best remembered for rebuilding a historic Notre Dame football program and turning the Fighting Irish into a perennial title contender. 

Holtz also became a symbol of success for Catholic sports fans across the country, many of whom rooted for Notre Dame regardless of how far they may have lived from the South Bend, Indiana campus.

The West Virginia native ‘rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics,’ read a statement from his family.

‘Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others,’ the statement continued.

‘His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership.’

Lou Holtz was briefly the head coach of the New York Jets, but went just 3-10 in 1976

It was during his 11-season tenure at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988.

Players he coached at Notre Dame included star receivers like 1987 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail, as well as defensive tackle Chris Zorich, quarterback Rick Mirer and Hall-of-Fame running back Jerome Bettis.

Over a head-coaching career spanning 33 years, Holtz amassed 249 wins across multiple programs, including Arkansas, South Carolina, NC State, William & Mary and Minnesota. He also served as an assistant under the legendary Woody Hayes at Ohio State, helping the Buckeyes to win a national championship in 1968.

His less-celebrated coaching tenures include a 3-10 stint as head coach of the NFL’s New York Jets in 1976 and his return to the sideline with South Carolina from 1999 until 2004.

Lou Holtz is pictured during his time as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks 

Regardless of the level of play, Holtz was known for his disciplined approach and his ability to turn struggling programs into contenders.

‘He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish,’ read the family statement.

Beyond the sidelines, Holtz was a best-selling author and 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.

Even in his later years, his passion for the game never wavered, making him a fixture at major college football events and broadcasts.