Notre Dame distances itself from Lou Holtz after insensitive comments at RNC

Notre Dame pointed out former head coach Lou Holtz doesn’t speak for the university.

Notre Dame may love Lou Holtz for bringing them their last national title in 1988, but the Irish aren’t so willing to associate with the former head coach after his comments at the Republican National Convention.

On Thursday, Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C, had this to say about Holtz’ remarks:

“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.”

Lou Holtz’s speech at the Republican National Convention ruffled feathers.

In the second half of his statement, Jenkins called particular attention to one element of Holtz’s speech, when the former coach called Joe Biden and Kamala Harris “the most radically pro-abortion campaign in history.”

“They and other politicians are Catholics in name only and abandon innocent lives,” Holtz said.

Jenkins lectured Holtz, who has been an outspoken supporter of President Trump, on his approach to criticizing Biden and Harris.

“Moreover, we Catholics should remind ourselves that while we may judge the objective moral quality of another’s actions, we must never question the sincerity of another’s faith, which is due to the mysterious working of grace in that person’s heart,” Jenkins said. “In this fractious time, let us remember that our highest calling is to love.”

Holtz coached at Notre Dame from 1986-96 after stints with William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas and Minnesota. In his third year with the program, he led the Irish to an undefeated national title season in 1988.

Success continued for Holtz for a while, but the final three years of his tenure were less stellar. He retired after the 1996 season with a record of 100-30-2. He spent a couple of years as a TV commentator before returning to the coaching ranks in 1999 with South Carolina. He coached there until 2004.