🏈 Why did Holtz leave ND ?

[Swamptick]

I just flat out don't remember and didn't care at the time. Why did Lou Holtz leave Notre Dame only to later coach at South Carolina?

 

[Rolling Tide]

Was he not "retiring" because they were under NCAA investigation?

 

[RollTideRandy]

He quit because of an NCAA investigation but was later cleared which allowed him to return to coaching at SC.

http://irisheyes.com/bbstories/nd121699.htm

 

[reger60]

Allegedly, he left Notre Dame because the school informed him that they were going to significantly raise the academic standards for student athletes. Holtz knew he wouldn't be able to attract the recruits he wanted and needed to maintain a winning program, so he left. At least that's the story I've always heard.

 

[Swamptick]

The reason I ask is because of all the coverage of Notre Dame right now (as if that is anything new) and it's coaching search. Not to knock USCe but it almost seemed like a Bill Curry move in retrospect so I figured that Holtz must have known that ND was sinking and would have trouble rising.

 

[rammerjammer]

I want to say that Lou was getting very close to Knute Rockne's record for wins at ND. I think that played on behind the scenes and the "old regime" at ND did not want him to break it.

It has been so long ago I can't remember all the details, but I think that played into it as well.

Sort of like how all of our old folks felt that you needed to have played or coached with Coach Bryant in order to hold the reins at UA. Just some of that tradition stuff that can actually hinder your program.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

I want to say that Lou was getting very close to Knute Rockne's record for wins at ND. I think that played on behind the scenes and the "old regime" at ND did not want him to break it.

It has been so long ago I can't remember all the details, but I think that played into it as well.

Sort of like how all of our old folks felt that you needed to have played or coached with Coach Bryant in order to hold the reins at UA. Just some of that tradition stuff that can actually hinder your program.

I've read the same account surrounding Ara Parseghian's departure as well.

 

[Swamptick]

I want to say that Lou was getting very close to Knute Rockne's record for wins at ND. I think that played on behind the scenes and the "old regime" at ND did not want him to break it.

See, as much as I LOVE Coach Bryant and what he did for the University of Alabama, I would love to see someone achieve more than he did here!!!

You would think ANY true fan would want a successor to achieve even greater heights if you truly loved your sports program.