Lou Holtz out at ESPN after 11 seasons

Lou Holtz is out at ESPN after 11 seasons as a college football studio analyst.

ESPN issued a statement that read, “Lou brought a champion’s perspective and a legacy of accomplishment to our coverage along with his distinctive style and humor. We appreciate his contributions and wish him all the best in the future.”

Holtz’s agent, Sandy Montag, told Sports Illustrated, “Lou enjoyed his time and friendships made at ESPN and looks forward to other opportunities in college football.”

Sports Illustrated reported that the decision for Holtz, 78, to exit was “closer to a mutual agreement between the parties than Holtz getting forced out.”

ESPN previously announced changes to its Saturday college football studio coverage, with Rece Davis set to replace Chris Fowler as the primary anchor alongside analyst Mark May.

A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Holtz was the head coach at William & Mary (1969-71), North Carolina State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83), Minnesota (1984-85), Notre Dame (1986-96) and South Carolina (1999-2004). He compiled a 249-132-7 mark, including a 100-30-2 record with the Irish.

Holtz guided Notre Dame to a 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988-89.