WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday called Lou Holtz "one of the greatest coaches in American history” as he honored the college football Hall of Famer and political ally with the nation's highest civilian honor.
Holtz, whose 34-year coaching career included the 1988 national title at the University of Notre Dame, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during an Oval Office ceremony. Holtz led six different programs to bowl games.
Holtz at Arkansas
Lou Holtz coached the Razorbacks for seven seasons from 1977-83 and had a record of 60-21-2. In 1977 Holtz led Arkansas to an 11-1 season that ended with a No. 3 ranking in the final AP poll. The Razorbacks were 10-2 in 1979 and tied for the Southwest Conference championship.
“He’s really a life teacher," said Trump, noting the respect and loyalty Holtz earned from the many players he mentored. “He teaches people how to live and how to live properly and how to live with dignity."
Holtz is one of several sports figures Trump has awarded the Medal of Freedom during his time office.
Others include former Pro Football Hall of Famer and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, Olympic track and field athlete and former Rep. Jim Ryun, golfer Tiger Woods, Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach, pro basketball greats Bob Cousy and Jerry West and baseball legends Babe Ruth and Mariano Rivera.
“They’re recognized for what they did. I’m recognized for what other people did. I never made a block or a tackle, but I did try to teach people to make good choices. That’s all I ever tried to do,” Holtz said.
Holtz had a 249-132-7 record over a career that, in addition to Notre Dame, included stops at William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Carolina. He also coached the NFL’s New York Jets in 1976 to a 3-10 record.
A graduate of Kent State, Holtz, 83, also served seven years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.