Tampa Bay Metro Magazine

Excited and eager to meet area business leaders, alumni and students, USF’s new football coach Skip Holtz has many demands on his time. He is accommodating and thrilled to be in Tampa as the new head coach of the Bulls. After the announcement in January, Coach Holtz arrived in town without all of his family – wife Jennifer, and three children. As summer approaches, Holtz is happy that his family is back together. Everyone is now in town, and they are in their home in south Tampa. “We’re in, but we’re a long way from being settled,” Coach Holtz said. His son, Trey, attends Plant High School and will play on the football team. Son Chad, 13, and daughter Hailey, 11, will be at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School.

Holtz, son of the legendary Coach Lou Holtz, says that coaching wasn’t always his passion. “It was always an option,” Holtz said. But it wasn’t until his senior year of college that he decided he might want to get into the “family business.” As a business major, Holtz wanted to be an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until graduation was looming that coaching became a career choice. His first job was under Coach Bobby Bowden at Florida State University. “I’ve had great teachers and great mentors,” said Holtz. On his way to a fundraiser for Pepin Academy, Metro had a chance to chat with Coach Skip Holtz.

Metro: What was your impression of USF when you stepped on campus?

Holtz: Very impressed. USF and Tampa has so much to offer. It is the 12th largest media market, 9th largest school district, part of the Big East and it’s such fertile recruiting ground.

M: Are you happy to be in Tampa?

H: Yes, my wife is from Port Charlotte, my parents live in Orlando, brother lives in Daytona, and brother-in-law lives in Tampa. All of that just put a cherry on the move.

M: Discover any favorite dining spots?

H: It is hard to beat Malio’s or Iavarone’s. Recently, we went to Datz to a Sunday brunch with the in-laws. I’m trying to hit all the local spots.

M: Any vacation plans this summer?

H: We’ll take one week and go with the entire family to a lake in North Carolina. This includes Holtz’ parents and all the brothers and sisters. It will be great to spend some quality time, which is so hard to find.

M: Any thoughts with Father’s Day approaching?

H: It is great down here being around Dad. I only have one father and he was instrumental in my life and the relationship with my kids. I believe in family. It is important for children to understand the importance of family in their lives.

M: How do you relax? Any hobbies?

H: I relax being around family. I love golf, but haven’t had any time lately to play.

M: Any special charities you’ll support?

H: I have supported lots of charities – my mom had cancer, my brother is diabetic. But, I have a soft spot for children and special needs children. I firmly believe: To whom much is given, much is expected.

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