Lou Holtz

President Donald Trump calls Lou Holtz “one of the greatest coaches in American history” and has honored the college football Hall of Famer and political ally with the nation’s highest civilian honor. Holtz had a 34-year coaching career that included the 1988 national title at the University of Notre Dame. Holtz received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during an Oval Office ceremony. Holtz led six different programs to bowl games and is an outspoken Trump backer. The 83-year-old Holtz says being honored by Trump makes the award particularly meaningful.

COLUMBIA. S.C. (AP) — Lou Holtz has tested positive for the coronavirus. The 83-year-old former college football coach confirmed the test Thursday to Columbia TV station WOLO. Holtz led Notre Dame to the 1988 national title in a Hall of Fame career. He has worked for ESPN and campaigned for President Donald Trump. Holtz is set to receiver the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he intends to give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to longtime football coach Lou Holtz. Trump made the announcement Friday at the White House as Holtz looked on. The president did not announce a date for the ceremony but said it would be soon. Holtz spent 34 years coaching both college and professional football teams, including at Notre Dame and the University of South Carolina. He was among the speakers at last week's Republican National Convention. 

Last night at the GOP National Convention, former Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz spoke in support of President Trump. Today, the President of Notre Dame has issued a statement on what Holtz had to say.

Here is a portion of Rev. John Jenkins comments:

“While Coach Lou Holtz is a former coach at Notre Dame, his use of the University’s name at the Republican National Convention must not be taken to imply that the University endorses his views, any candidate or any political party."