The Notre Dame and college football world as a whole is mourning the death of great coach Lou Holtz after his passing on Wednesday. Holtz is remembered for his time at Notre Dame and other schools, as well as his broadcasting career after retiring from the sport.
At Notre Dame, Holtz set a precedent for how his team would play. They were to be the most physical team on the field, but also they would be the closest team on the field. Holtz set a standard at Notre Dame, and that standard is still kept today in the way that head coach Marcus Freeman runs things.
A few years ago, Freeman went and spent some time with Holtz at his house and talked about the state of college sports now, dealing with the transfer portal and everything, but he walked away with something very special that day. Holtz raved about how Freeman coaches the game, but he also passed on some of his own knowledge that Freeman still uses today.
This moment between Lou Holtz and Marcus Freeman is even more special today.
— CathVSConf☘️ (@CathVSConf) March 4, 2026
Lou left Marcus the keys to success.
During his time at Notre Dame he always made sure people understood it was the Catholics VS Conferences.
And now?
Now the responsibility is ours.
This… pic.twitter.com/9Nwjcx669t
Marcus Freeman understands the Notre Dame legacy Lou Holtz left
Holtz began sharing the game plan he came up with that would end up working for years to come, and the moment he began sharing it, Freeman immediately pulled out his phone to write down everything the legendary coach said.
Holtz has three teachings that he gave to his players, and it was: No. 1 was to be the most physical team on the field, No. 2 was to be the best fundamental team on the field, No. 3 was to take care of the football, and finally No. 4 was to be the closest team on the field.
A team that can't play together was one that Holtz knew wouldn't be successful. It is evident in the way that Freeman coaches his guys that he follows these principles day in and day out. There is no better coach for Freeman to learn from than Holtz, and it is clear he is continuing his legacy every day in South Bend.