The Fighting Irish: A History of Notre Dame Football

Sept. 9, 2023, 8:30 p.m. Sports

When you think of college football, what school comes to mind? If you’re like most people, the answer is Notre Dame. Notre Dame has one of the most storied and successful programs in college football history. The team has won 11 national championships and produced 7 Heisman Trophy winners. Notre Dame is also well-known for its unique Fighting Irish nickname and its catchy fight song, “The Victory March.”

Notre Dame’s football tradition began in 1887 when the school’s first team took the field. The team was led by head coach Alexander Knute Rockne, who is considered one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Under Rockne, Notre Dame became a national powerhouse, winning three national championships in 1924, 1929, and 1930. Rockne’s teams were known for their innovative offensive schemes and their “Win one for the Gipper” mentality.

After Rockne’s death in 1931, Notre Dame experienced a period of decline. The team failed to win a national championship for nearly 40 years. In 1966, Notre Dame hired head coach Ara Parseghian, who led the team to two national championships in 1974 and 1975. Parseghian’s teams were known for their strong defense, which became known as the “Grand Slam.”

Notre Dame’s success continued into the 1980s and 1990s under head coach Lou Holtz. Holtz led the team to a national championship in 1988 and to a perfect 12-0 record in 1989. Holtz’s teams were known for their “Holtz-Lectures,” which were pre-game speeches that motivated the team to victory.

Notre Dame’s most recent period of success began in 2001 under current head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly has led the team to nine straight bowl games, including a victory in the 2013 BCS National Championship game.

Notre Dame is one of the most successful and popular college football teams in the country. The team’s success is due to its storied history and its unique Fighting Irish nickname. Notre Dame will continue to be a force in college football for years to come.