Skip Holtz will coach his final game for Louisiana Tech in Saturday’s season finale at Rice.
The school announced Friday it is parting ways with Holtz after nine seasons, seven bowl appearances (6-1 record) and a 64-49 overall record.
The Bulldogs are 3-8 this season, 2-5 in Conference USA.
“Skip and I talked and agreed it was time for a change for both parties,” athletic director Eric Wood said in a news release. “Louisiana Tech owes Skip a debt of gratitude for his loyalty and dedication to our football student-athletes, our University, and our community over the past decade.
“He has been able to accomplish some things that weren’t previously done here on a consistent basis prior to his arrival. We continue to be committed to winning conference championships, and that expectation is stronger than ever.”
Hired in December 2012, Holtz guided Louisiana Tech to two appearances in the C-USA championship game (2014, 2016). The Bulldogs went 10-3 in 2019 and posted three straight nine-win seasons from 2014-16. He was named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2016.
Holtz, 57, was 38-27 at East Carolina (2005-09) and 16-21 at South Florida (2010-12) before taking over the program in Ruston, La.
“This is the right time for me to evaluate a new start in my career,” Holtz said. “I’ve had the privilege of mentoring young people and building football programs for more than 30 years, including the last nine as head coach of Louisiana Tech. The past two seasons have brought additional challenges to our program, and I simply think it is time for someone else to have the chance to lead this special group of young men.
“I am not done coaching football and have great passion and energy to continue to lead young men through this game that I love so much. It is just time for me to channel my energies elsewhere.”
Wood said the school will name an interim head coach and begin a national search for a new head coach.
Holtz is the son of former Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz.
–Field Level Media