Since the passing of Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz, people from all walks of life have lined up to talk about their favorite memories and what he meant to them. Unsurprisingly, those who had the most interesting insight into the former head coach and broadcaster are the men who played for him. Aaron Taylor, a College Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman, had one of the most illuminating reflections on Holtz.
Taylor recently sat down with Blue & Gold's Eric Hansen and talked about the complicated relationships Holtz's players had with him. What stood out the most was that the Super Bowl champion said when he and his teammates were playing for Holtz, there was almost always a love-hate relationship.
What really stood out for Taylor was when he was on a recruiting trip to Notre Dame. "I just remember him being dynamic and — I wouldn’t have used this word then, but now I will — effervescent. Probably the fourth time I’ve ever used that word in my life, but that’s what’s floated up. He had complete control and command of everything."
“Lou wasn’t our friend. He was demanding. He was hard. But it was his job to set the standard.” — Aaron Taylor https://t.co/iM0z8SowoM
— Eric Hansen (@EHansenND) March 8, 2026
Aaron Taylor's reflection captures what made Notre Dame football's Lou Holtz truly special
Taylor added that Holtz had a magical way of speaking, giving locker room talks. At times, they were so scripted that a senior could give the speeches before he did. Other times, they were off the cuff and made up on the spot. The speeches always had their intended effect, though. "It was amazing how well he led us. And I think, aside from the X’s and O’s, he covertly taught us to be good men with just hearts, while we were completely oblivious to that taking place."
The most interesting part was Taylor's view of the complicated relationship Holtz had with his players. The Hall of Famer said it was quite a bit like a parent.
"He wasn’t a players’ coach. He was demanding. He was hard. But it was his job to set the standard, and it was our job to live up to that standard. And he was incredibly clear about what that took, much more clear than us. So, it didn’t matter what we thought or whether or not we liked it."
Taylor, like many of the former Notre Dame players under Lou Holtz, came to realize why he was treated the way he was. He came to respect and appreciate it. That's the best part of the former coach's legacy.