On Wednesday afternoon, former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz reignited his ongoing rivalry with Ohio State coach Ryan Day, making a pointed remark about Day’s job security. “If Notre Dame doesn’t win, it’s because we want to preserve Ryan Day’s job. I was originally going to be at the game in spirit, but now I’ll be dragging my body along as well,” Holtz quipped in a social media post.
The tension between Holtz and Day dates back to 2023, when Holtz publicly questioned Ohio State’s “toughness” ahead of their matchup against Notre Dame. After Ohio State secured a narrow 17-13 victory, Day directly addressed Holtz in his postgame comments, asking, “I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now.”
Despite their public back-and-forth, Holtz has acknowledged Day’s success with the Buckeyes, even suggesting that Day is underrated as a coach. However, Holtz remains loyal to his alma mater, predicting a Notre Dame victory in the upcoming national championship game. He forecasts a three-point win for the Irish, citing their heart, culture, and defensive prowess as key factors. “Ohio State has the talent, but Notre Dame has the heart, the culture, and the defense to win this game. Stay patient, run the football, and trust the process. Notre Dame wins a close one—by 3. Remember, we’re Notre Dame and they ain’t!” Holtz declared.
Ohio State has the talent, but Notre Dame has the heart, the culture, and the defense to win this game.
Stay patient, run the football, and trust the process.
Notre Dame wins a close one—by 3.
Remember, we’re Notre Dame and they ain’t! pic.twitter.com/uDKng78jNe
— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) January 15, 2025
