Lou Holtz’s newspaper trick video goes viral after death; Legendary college football coach, who led unbeaten Notre Dame to title in 1988, dies at 89

A resurfaced video showing Lou Holtz performing his light-hearted 'newspaper trick' has gone viral on social media following his death at 89, prompting fresh tributes to the legendary coach’s personality and legacy. Beyond the playful moment, Holtz is remembered as one of college football’s most respected leaders. He guided the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to an unbeaten season and the national championship in 1988, cementing his place in the sport’s history. Fans, former players, and fellow coaches have shared memories celebrating his humor, discipline, and lasting impact on the game.

Notre Dame announced Wednesday that Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, while surrounded by his family. Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said the family did not provide a cause of death.

"Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather," Notre Dame president Robert A. Dowd said in a statement.



His son, Skip Holtz, who followed his father into coaching, confirmed the news in a post on X, saying that Holtz had passed away and was 'resting peacefully at home'.

“He was successful, but more important he was Significant," Skip Holtz wrote.


LOU HOLTZ'S FAMOUS NEWSPAPER MAGIC TRICK

Following his death, several football fans shared memories of Holtz’s famous newspaper trick, which quickly resurfaced online. The moment dates back to 2015, when the iconic coach was addressing the Texas Longhorns. Midway through his talk, Holtz surprised the room by breaking into a playful magic trick, revealing a lighter, humorous side that endeared him to players and fans alike. The clip has since been widely shared as a reminder that Holtz’s impact extended beyond wins and championships to moments of joy and inspiration.


Over a 33-season career, Holtz, who became the first and so far only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games during a career, compiled a 249-132-7 record, coaching at Minnesota Golden Gophers, Arkansas Razorbacks, South Carolina Gamecocks, and most famously Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He still ranks 10th all-time in career victories by a Football Bowl Subdivision coach and eighth all-time with 388 games coached, underscoring the longevity and consistency that defined Holtz’s remarkable career.

It was at Notre Dame that he captured his lone national championship in 1988. The title run ended with a victory over West Virginia Mountaineers in the Fiesta Bowl, but the season was defined by a dramatic 31-30 win against the Miami Hurricanes - a marquee clash in the famed 'Catholics vs Convicts' rivalry of the 1980s.