Since Lou Holtz hired Barry Alvarez as one of his assistant coaches at Notre Dame, Holtz has been a confidante and adviser to Alvarez after their three years together in South Bend ended.
The two coaches have talked regularly about football matters over the years, and Alvarez brought Holtz down to Tampa last season to talk to the Badgers before they played Georgia in the Outback Bowl.
Holtz did not think it was wise for Alvarez to announce his retirement before the season has even started.