Lou Holtz had a 60-21-2 record in seven seasons as Arkansas’ coach from 1977-1983, with nary a losing season, before he was fired after going 6-5 in 1983.
Holtz has never forgotten what it felt like when Athletic Director Frank Broyles delivered the news.
Holtz, who was speaking at the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club last week, said he was caught off guard.
“I asked him why and he said, ‘I just think it’s best for the program,’ ” Holtz said. “Never gave me a reason. I was upset. I was bitter.”
The bitterness gradually subsided, and Holtz says he holds no grudges toward Broyles or Arkansas, at the insistence of his wife, Beth.
“My wife wouldn’t let me do anything except move on, and that’s what I did,” Holtz said. “ I’venever said a negative word about Arkansas or negative word about Frank Broyles, and I can’t to this day.”
Holtz landed his dream job at Notre Dame after a two-year stop at Minnesota.
Holtz coached Notre Dame for 11 years, leading the Fighting Irish to the 1988 national championship.
It was Broyles, Holtz said, who helped him land that job.
“I have nothing but the greatest respect for Frank Broyles as a person, as a coach,” Holtz said. “I learned so much from him.
“People ought to thank Frank Broyles every day for their athletic program. It’s a national program because of him.”Love May, love May not
Lou Holtz and Mark May always seem to be at odds when they appear together as ESPN analysts.
A recent debate - one during which they took different views on whether Mack Brown should remain as Texas’ coach - appeared to upset Holtz so much that he knocked over the podium the two were standing behind.
Is it all an act? Or do Holtz and May really dislike each other?
Holtz said he and May differ on many subjects, but there is an underlying respect.
“There isn’t anything phony,” Holtz said.
“But our love for each other off-camera is just as sincere.”
Holtz said he and May bring different football experiences to their appearances on ESPN.
“Mark was a player. I was a coach,” Holtz said.“He showered after work. I showered before work.
“He made suggestions. I made decisions. He signed a paycheck on the back. I signed it on the front. We have a different opinion.
“Now, if you’re going to say a negative word about Mark May as a person, as a husband, about his character, his intelligence, his work ethic, I’ll fight you.
“If you want to talk about his opinions, I’ll agree with you. I’ll fight you if you say a negative thing about him as a person.”
No Love Boat for Lou
Don’t expect to see Lou Holtz in an advertisement for a cruise line.
“To me, going on a cruise is like being in jail,” Holtz said.
“Only you’ve got a chance to drown.”Quote of the day “We support our
coaches 100 percent
until they’re no longer our coaches. Why would you support a coach 85 percent?” Southern California Athletic Director Pat Haden, speaking earlier this season after being asked if he supported football coach Lane Kiffin.
Haden fired Kiffin on Sunday.
Sports, Pages 14 on 09/30/2013