lundi 13 avril 2015

Lou Holtz, ESPN reportedly parting ways

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: ESPN analyst Lou Holtz (R) congratulates Head coach Urban Meyer (L) of the Ohio State Buckeyes after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the All State Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 42 to 35. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Lou Holtz is out at ESPN.


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!







from Yahoo Sports http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/lou-holtz--espn-reportedly-parting-ways-132347880.html

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