Notre Dame Football: Top Head Coaches of the Modern Era
By Andrew Hall
Oct 19, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; General view of the statue of Lou Holtz outside of Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Lou Holtz
Winning Percentage: .765
National Titles: 1
Bowl Games: 9
Lou Holtz took over a Notre Dame program that had won 19 games in the previous 3 seasons. In short time, Holtz restored Notre Dame to prominence with the 1988 National Title. The talent under Holtz may have been the best in Notre Dame’s storied history. Between 1987 and 1995, 65 Notre Dame players were selected in the NFL Draft. That is an average of over 7 players per year.
Holtz may have an argument for a second National Title. In 1993, Notre Dame defeated then #1 Florida State. The Irish then moved into the #1 slot before losing at the last second to Boston College. Notre Dame finished 2nd that year while Florida State, the team Notre Dame beat, was voted #1. Holtz’s 9 consecutive bowl game appearances is a Notre Dame record.