According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch, the parting of ways between the 78-year-old Holtz and ESPN “was closer to a mutual agreement between the parties than Holtz getting forced out.”
Holtz, the former head coach at Notre Dame, South Carolina, Minnesota, Arkansas, N.C. State and William & Mary, had been a regular contributor to the network’s college football coverage since 2004. Holtz mainly worked with Rece Davis and Mark May on Saturday College Final, providing pregame, halftime and postgame coverage. Holtz also appeared on SportsCenter and occasionally worked as an in-game color analyst.
In an email with Deitsch, an ESPN spokesperson confirmed Holtz’s departure.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Holtz told 247 Sports in May that he would likely retire after the 2014 football season.
“I’d like to leave when people say, ‘Why are you leaving?’ not ‘When are you leaving?’” he said. “This is my fifth last year. They usually talk me into it,” Holtz said. “ESPN is a great organization to work for. We’ve been together nine years now. That’s unusual. They’re like my family. I love them. We enjoy it. There comes a time where you need to step aside and let the younger people do it.”
Holtz’s agent, Sandy Montag, also confirmed the move in a statement to SI.
“Lou enjoyed his time and friendships made at ESPN and looks forward to other opportunities in college football,” Montag said.
In addition to Holtz leaving the network, Davis is replacing Chris Fowler on College Gameday, so ESPN’s Saturday in-studio will certainly have a new look in 2015.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
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