Wins, Losses, and Lessons: An Autobiography

by Lou Holtz

When I die and people realize that I will not be resurrected in three days, they will forget me. That is the way it should be. For reasons known only to God, I was asked to write an autobiography. Most people who knew me growing up didn't think I would ever read a book, let alone write one.—Lou Holtz

Few people in the history of college sports have been more influential or had a bigger impact than Lou Holtz. Winner of the three national Coach of the Year honors, the only coach ever to lead six different schools to season-ending bowl games, and the ninth-winningest coach in college football history, Holtz is still teaching and coaching, although he is no longer on the gridiron.

In his most telling work to date, the man still known as "Coach" reveals what motivated a rail-thin 135-pound kid with marginal academic credentials and a pronounced speech impediment to play and coach college football, and to become one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in history. With unflinching honesty and his trademark dry wit, Holtz goes deep, giving us the intimate details of the people who shaped his life and the decisions he would make that shaped the life of so many others.

His is a storied career, and Holtz provides a frank and inside look at the challenges he overcame to turn around the programs at William and Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, and Minnesota. From growing up in East Liverpool, Ohio, to his early days as a graduate assistant at the University of Iowa, to his national championship runs at Notre Dame and his final seasons on the sidelines in South Carolina, Lou Holtz gives his best, a poignant, funny, and instructive look into a life well lived.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Football, Nonfiction, Leadership, Memoir, Autobiography

Audio Cassette

First published August 15, 2006

About the author

Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz (born January 6, 1937) is a retired American football coach, and active sportscaster, author, and motivational speaker. He served as the head football coach at The College of William & Mary (1969–1971), North Carolina State University (1972–1975), the University of Arkansas (1977–1983), the University of Minnesota (1984–1985), the University of Notre Dame (1986–1996), and University of South Carolina (1999–2004), compiling a career record of 249–132–7. Holtz's 1988 Notre Dame team went 12–0 with a victory in the Fiesta Bowl and was the consensus national champion. Holtz is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games and the only coach to guide four different programs to the final top 20 rankings. Holtz also coached the New York Jets of the NFL during the 1976 season.

Over the years, the slender, bespectacled Holtz has become known for his quick wit and ability to inspire players. In 2005, Holtz joined ESPN as a college football analyst. On May 1, 2008, Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Holtz is a master motivational speaker and a former analyst for CBS Sports. Lou Holtz and his wife, Beth, are parents to four grown children.

Reviews

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I read a book slowly, because I enjoy it so much I don't want it to end. That's how I read this book. I re-read chapters and parts that resonated with me. Annoyingly, I read pages aloud to my son and husband.
I admired Coach Holtz before, but I didn't know why. Now I know why I admire and respect him. I might even retell some of his stories and attempts to get "buy-in" from students!

[Trevor Gabriele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wild timing of reading this book. Glad I did though. Pretty cool that he records himself reading the book. Makes me want to go watch Rudy or become an Irish fan.

[Robert Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read books on numerous coaches, both in the NFL and in college. This by far is the best book I have read in regards to football. A must read for those that are in a leadership position or who one day want to be in a leadership position.

[Ben Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I did not really believe that I would be at all interested in this book. I like college football, and I knew that Lou Holtz was a famous coach from Notre Dame, but I never realized how much exactly he went through in his career as a coach. All of the coaching positions that he held throughout his career were all interesting in their own way. Throughout his career he came into contact with several football icons such as Paul "Bear" Bryant, Joe Namath, and Bill Parcels. Before, I had never thought of all the famous football personalities that were active during Lou Holtz's long career as a coach, but rather I had just thought that he coached in a time period where football was had very little activity and was far less popular. Also, he changed my view on the importance of having a good coach. Previously, I believed that all that mattered on a football team was the level of talent that they possessed. While this is still important, Holtz was still able to take teams that had horrible records the year before and then take them to a bowl game. Despite the great success he had as a coach, probably the most important thing about Lou Holtz was all of the philosophies that he implemented while coaching. These philosophies were centered on working hard, giving your best effort, and always doing the right thing. He implemented these philosophies in each one of the coaching positions that he held. Sometimes they even got him in trouble, for example, he suspended three African American players at Arkansas for a very serious offense, and since he refused to tell the public what the offense was, he was subject to nationwide criticism. However, no matter the situation, Holtz never allowed others to make him stray from his beliefs. Even though he has many great characteristics as a person, this one is probably the one I admire the most.

[Toby Brennen · Rating 5 out of 5]

College Football! Whether you love it, hate it, or don't know anything about it, this book is an awesome and easy read! It may not be as interesting to someone who is not a college football fan but still an incredible read for anyone who wants to share his faith journey.

Lou Holtz! Love him, hate him (really? is there anyone?), or don't know a thing about him, this book is well written, humorous, and thoughtful - practical wisdom without the cliches.

Lou's writing is much like what his personality appears to be. He shares his experiences - his successes, his failures with honesty, intelligence in a direct and humorous fashion. He knows how to spin a tale so you don't get caught up in irrelevant details but can see the point he is trying to make. And he is always trying to make a point (that's the teacher in him, the Coach). But no cliches, often his point comes across before he even gets to it!

I can see how some readers may feel like he is name dropping. And, in a sense, he is - alot. But it isn't to gratify his ego but to demonstrate the fullness of his life experience. He has known and been friends with many legends. Names many folks my age [ahem] will recognize (not so sure about the younger generation).

[Diana Nagy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Despite not being a fan of sports (except maybe gymnastics) this book was full of information. It really had a lot of great life lessons from Lou Holtz who I am certain must have been a fantastic coach in all ways! I aspire to be like him in the way he teachers, coaches and mentors others. What an inspiration!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories about little guys from little Ohio small towns making it big. I could never reach the same heights Coach has, but I can only hope to be an inspiration on anybody the way he has on thousands of people

[Sharon Nale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though Lou's reading voice is not so easy to listen to, I do love his positive attitude and outlook on life. I understand that much of what he says about life and how to live it, he learned from playing and coaching football and teaching over 30 years and across many states and different universities.

He came from humble beginnings and had a deep faith, and these are just two of the things that made the book so enjoyable to me. That he is a man of strong character quickly becomes obvious in this autobiography. That he is a man of faith is also obvious, and he freely shares his faith with anyone who will listen.

His humility sometimes seems to camoflauge his genius, if that makes any sense.

He is so driven, so passionate, that there is not much of a dividing line between life and football. The same character traits needed for success in football can be used to find success in life.

If you love football, and if you are a believer, you will especially enjoy this book. Even if you don't love football, or are not a person of faith, you still will enjoy it. He is funny, he is smart, he is wise, and he is entertaining.

[Abe Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about ol' Lou Holtz. It's hard not to be impressed with his success as a coach wherever he went, usually taking programs that were failing and turning them into national powerhouses. It really speaks to his ability to lead.
This book is a pretty honest self-assessment of the things he did well and the things he wishes he would have done differently and is done with the wit you would expect from him.
Finally, as a person of faith myself, I was impressed to read how much his faith is a part of his life. Prayer and worship were regular practices of his life and even more so of his wife who he said has never prayed less than an hour a day in each year of their marriage.

[Vishu Varanasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best and motivational books I've read.
Seldom do I come across books where every page is interesting and you wish to move to the next page to learn more.

I have so many lines, quotes, learnings highlighted from this one book that I could probably compile them into a novelette.

Lou is indeed a motivation. How I (or anyone who reads this book) is to be seen.

One shortcoming of this book is, this book has plentiful of references to different strategies, positions, referrences to American football (which is obvious since he is book is from a football coach) which I tried not to dwell into. But that didn't make a difference in what the book aims to teach.

[Danny Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by legendary coach Lou Holtz. It has great stories from all his years of coaching. It also says a lot about him as person. Coach Holtz's basic message is the world doesn't owe you a thing. You have to work hard & have discipline to be successful in life. A lesson today's current generation sorely needs.

[Danny Theurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humility and childlike enthusiasm - this is a difficult combination to beat. I've read some coaching memoirs that leave the undeniable impression that the individual was hurt or bitter with those along the journey. Holtz writes one that is quite the opposite. You leave the final page as a better leader, excited for Holtz's journey.

[Nicole Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suggested to me by my father as one of his favorite books. Approached it hesitantly as I was not convinced it would interest me as I have little knowledge of football. I found immense comfort in reading this book as it is full of positive life advice and ways to approach life's challenges. I would absolutely read it again and recommend it.

[Ginette Moncion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just shortly after I had read this book a few years ago, I met Lou Holtz in a restaurant.
His now deceased wife was so patient and sweet and he is so inspirational. He gave me a Notre Dame Key chain which I display on my bookshelf next to his book.
He taught me there is just no substitute for hard work.

[Barb G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any college football fan or any kid hoping to make it in the big time. Lou tells it how it is in the business. Following his progress through the years and finding out even the great Lou Holtz had setbacks and disappointments along his career should give everyone hope to keep pushing forward to achieve your goals. This was an inspiring read.

[Dustin Yorek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite quote - practice doesnt make perfect... perfect practice makes perfect. Fired after turning around a D1... lead to him going to Minnesota and ultimately Notre Dame. Retired then went back to SC. Lot of good lessons in the book. Halfearted commitment is worse than no commitment at all. A day without learning is a day without living.

[Michael dorso · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Class

It’s very interesting to get it behind-the-scenes look of someone as successful as Lou Holtz. What’s even more impressive, Is the quality of the man writing the words . I Have read two of his books and always come way impressed with how genuine he seems . His words are about much more than football.

[Matt Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously not a big fan of Lou Holtz, and the fact that he read this book wasn't a selling point. However with that being said I really enjoyed this book and learning about his coaching career. I recommend reading this book for sure.

[Blake Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! Lou is great man and admire everything he brings to the table. Definitely will be a book on my bookshelf in the future. Not only does it talk about his football career, but it shows what it takes to be named a true champion.

[Bob Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one who despises Notre Dame, I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to hear Lou Holtz's insights as to why he took his jobs and the challenges he faced. I think anyone would enjoy this book whether a sports fan or not.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although he repeatably says the stories aren't about him the story is totally about him - he is top notch and has an ego like most successful people - he has earned the right to brag about his accomplishments, just wish he could be more honest about it.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good inspirational book by a man (and a wife) with a plan. I feel like at times he was hampered by his contemporaries by his own success. Straightforward. If more coaches were like him, there would be fewer college scandals. One of our country's treasures.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant to read this book because of Lou Holtz's politics, but I'm glad that I did. Most of the football history was new to me, but I really appreciated his insights and advice on perseverance and living a life of which you can be proud.

[Maddox Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou Holtz just wrote another fantastic book. "Wins, Losses, and Lessons" was another one of Lou Holts' great autobiographies. This is the second book by Lou Holtz that I have read, and it did not disappoint. Lou Holtz is a man of many talents, he is a fantastic coach, a great teacher, a great speaker, and with this book conforming it, he is a great author. This book is an autobiography, so it is written in first person. In the entirety of the book, Lou Holtz tells us many stories, teaches us a lot, and not only wins of football games, but winning in life. He shows us how he has succeeded through life and what has gotten him to the point where he is right now. Holtz has also failed many times in his life, but he has also succeeded. He shows us what he did to get out of those rough spots in his life or in his coaching career, and he also demonstrates how he has succeeded on so many levels. I personally love Lou Holtz's books because you can learn so much. In both of his books by him that I have read, he teaches us so much that can help you later in life. For example, something that he says his book is how to W.I.N. This stands for what's important now. He suggests that in any given situation you should use the W.I.N. technique and always think about what is important now. I have used this acronym many times to help me decide on something or decide what I want to do. If you are willing to read and want to, this book can teach you many important principles. I liked just about every part of this book, but something I didn't like was the fact that it maybe a little long. I also, didn't like how it was not the easiest read. I like quick easy reads, and it is not like it was a hard read but it was not the easiest. For me, a good length book is probably around like 175-200 pages. If I am not mistaken, I think this book was around 227 pages, so it wasn't like it was a tremendous number of pages or too much. Overall, this book will have a lasting impact on me. As I said, it taught me many important lessons that I can take into the future.

[Adrian Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick 7 hrs of listening to a great leader and coach tell us his story in his own words. Almost always successful and gracious when he wasn’t. It would be hard to be a better man than he was a football coach but he probably is

[Sam Baca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou Holtz is one of the most interesting figures in college football. You can definitely tell this is an autobiography and I wish maybe a more polished writer co wrote it with him. But still a great insight to coach and his journey.

[Hetal Sonpal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joy of reading a book by someone whom you have NEVER HEARD of and still thoroughly enjoying the book. Loved Lou's experiences as a coach for many different teams in the US and his learnings from the same.

[Britta Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography. I truly enjoyed learning more about Lou Holtz’s famous career, including the early days I’d never heard about before. Very well written. A must-read for college football fans.

[Cam Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened on Audiobook

What a fantastic coach and man of character. Coach led a principle driven life that should be the guideline for any man.

1. Have something to do
2. Have people to love
3. Have something to look forward to

His humility and enthusiasm for people and sport was inspiring.

[Lavonne Pinkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

overdrive