CBS SportsLine
Chat transcript
Nov. 17, 1998

Below is the edited transcript from our chat with former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. The legendary college football coach not only shared his bowl predictions and thoughts about the current poll rankings, Holtz also shared his personal feelings about his wife's recovery and his love for coaching.

Lou Holtz visited CBS SportsLine Nov. 17 to chat with fans. (Allsport)

Question: How does it feel to coach a winning team?

Lou Holtz: You're never satisfied. The question is: Did you come as close as you possibly could to getting the most out of your team? Before the season I would say to myself: 9-2, then if you ended up 8-3 and you felt like you had a terrible year. Of course if you ended up 10-1 you felt like you had a great year.

Question: If you had a chance to coach for Ohio State, would you take it?

Lou Holtz: No, I loved Ohio State. It's my favorite state because that's where my home is. But, if I coach again, and I might, I'd like to go to a program that's down and watch it turn around. I take greater delight in building rather than maintaining.

Question: Why don't you coach the Philadelphia Eagles? They need one.

Lou Holtz: Because they have a coach. They don't need two coaches. Three years ago, everybody loved Ray Rhodes. And I have great respect for Coach Rhodes and I have great respect for Mr. Jeffrey Lurie, the owner.

Question: Will you actively seek a head coaching job in the pros or at college level this year?

Lou Holtz: I think that's one opportunity I wish I'd taken. I have a strong faith in God, however. My wife's health is a prime concern with me. I feel that God wants me to coach, otherwise he wouldn't have put the desire in me. I do enjoy coaching at the college level, but will not be active until my wife is well.

Question: I was very concerned when I heard of your wife's illness. How is she doing?

Lou Holtz: I feel our prayers are answered. Her attitude is wonderful. I don't pray for her anymore, I pray to her. Sometimes it's harder to live with a saint, than it is to be one. I would not go back into coaching until my wife says she wants me to. She's getting better everyday, and we expect her to live a long happy productive life.

Question: Coach, your thoughts on Notre Dame joining the Big 10?

Lou Holtz: I talked to some people about Notre Dame joining the Big 10 yesterday. We're rather arrogant at Notre Dame. When people ask about us joining the conference, I say I feel we're in a league of our own. Notre Dame has always been a national school, playing a national schedule, drawing students from all over the country. That alone is reason to remain independent.

Lou Holtz: Notre Dame is probably the only school that could remain independent and thrive. However, I respect the people at ND and I will go with their wishes.

Question: Who is your favorite to win the national championship?

Lou Holtz: I'm not sure UCLA can beat Southern Cal and Miami. Miami is playing awfully well. I think Tennessee has two tough games in Kentucky. The auto accident that Kentucky had this week, where one of their players was killed and another seriously injured will affect them, and rightly so. I think that Florida State could easily play Kansas State for the national championship if UCLA or Tennessee loses.

Question: When you left Notre Dame, did you have full confidence in Bob (Davie) to run the program well?

Lou Holtz: I believe that ND ran an extensive search, and Bob Davie fit the bill. I think Bob and his staff have done an excellent job this well. The critics say ND may only play one of the Top 25 teams this year. I say, that's not ND's fault. I think they'll go 10-1. They have great senior leadership. Some of the players don't get the recognition they deserve: Mike Rosenthal, Jarius Jackson and others are having great years.

Question: What bowl do you think ND will end up in?

Lou Holtz: I think they'll end up in the Sugar Bowl, possibly the Rose Bowl. A lot has to happen for them to get to the Rose Bowl. UCLA will have to win, and Arizona will have to lose.

Question: Who do you think will win the Heisman race?

Lou Holtz: I think Michael Bishop is a great player. I think Ricky Williams at Texas has had four excellent years. Do you give the Heisman to the best player of this year, or over several years? I think it will be between Michael Bishop and Ricky Williams. Cade McNown has had an outstanding year and deserves to be recognized.

Question: Does Tennessee deserve to be ranked No. 1?

Lou Holtz: I think based on their record, yes. They beat Florida, Georgia, Arkansas and everyone else they've played. I don't think they are a great team, but they've met every challenge successfully.

Lou Holtz: When Peyton (Manning) was there, it was always Peyton's team. Once he graduated, they became a group of no-names who've achieved great things.

Question: Do you think Michigan will beat Ohio State?

Lou Holtz: I think Michigan is playing well enough to beat Ohio State. Lloyd Carr is 11-0 against top 20 teams. I think the pressure is on Ohio State. I would not be surprised to see Michigan beat Ohio State. To win the national championship, you have to be good and lucky. It's obvious their team is good and lucky. Ohio State is not lucky.

Question: Do you miss coaching?

Lou Holtz: Yes. I am a teacher. That's all I am. I don't want to live in a town where the average age is deceased. I want to be around people who have the capacity to dream and learn. I don't need to climb a mountain or ride a victory lap. I still feel when I'm not coaching my talents are not used where they apply best -- in helping young people. I have a gift and that is to teach. I say this because of the numerous athletes who have called me in the past year who say, "Coach, you've got to get back into coaching because the young people need you and your philosphy does work." I feel that I have more to give to young people. Like I said, I'm a teacher. That's all I am. But, without the blessing of my wife, I won't go back into coaching. But, you can bet that if she gives the OK, you'll probably see me back on the sideslines.

Question: Are you interested in the Oklahoma coaching job?

Lou Holtz: I didn't know that job was open. Oklahoma is far too ethical to ever talk to another person about a coaching job as long as they have Coach Blake. As far as I'm concerned, Coach Blake is the coach at Oklahoma, and as far as I know, they're not looking for another coach.

Lou Holtz: The time in the chat room goes far too quick. I really enjoy answering your questions as honestly as I can. Thanks again for being here, and best wishes to you and your family. Always follow your dreams and Notre Dame, and expect a miracle.