Minnesota Golden Gophers football under Lou Holtz

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were led by head coach Lou Holtz during the 1984 season and the 1985 regular season. He did not coach the Gophers in the 1985 Independence Bowl, as he had left to lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In the two seasons, the Gophers won 10 games and lost 12. In the Big Ten, they won 7 games and lost 10. Seven players were named All-Big Ten second team. David Puk was named an Academic All-American, the only player to achieve the title under Holtz. Five players were named Academic All-Big Ten.

1984
The 1984 season was the Golden Gophers' first season under head coach Lou Holtz. The Golden Gophers won four games and lost seven. Total attendance for the season was 310,745, which averaged out to 51,791 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Iowa.

Linebacker Peter Najarian, punter Adam Kelly and offensive tackle Mark VonderHaar were named All-Big Ten second team. Linebacker Peter Najarian, defensive lineman Craig Paulson and running back David Puk were named Academic All-Big Ten.

Quarterback Rickey Foggie was awarded the Team MVP Award. Mark VondeHaar was awarded the Bruce Smith Award. Peter Najarian was awarded the Carl Eller Award. Strong safety Larry Joyner was awarded the Bobby Bell Award. Center John Kelly was awarded the Butch Nash Award. Flanker Dwayne McMullen was awarded the Paul Giel Award.

1985
The 1985 season was the Golden Gophers' second and final season under head coach Lou Holtz. The Golden Gophers won seven games, six under Lou Holtz. The Gophers played in the 1985 Independence Bowl, but it was coached by John Gutekunst. The total attendance was 426,918, which averaged out to 60,985 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Wisconsin.

Center Ray Hitchcock, linebacker Peter Najarian, offensive guard Jon Lilleberg and strong safety Larry Joyner were named All-Big Ten second team. Running back David Puk was named Academic All-American second team. Puk and linebacker Peter Najarian were named Academic All-Big Ten.

Quarterback Rickey Foggie was awarded the Bronco Nagurski Award. Ray Hitchcock was awarded the Bruce Smith Award. Peter Najarian was awarded the Carl Eller Award. Kicker Chip Lohmiller was awarded the Bobby Bell Award. Flanker. Andy Hare was awarded the Butch Nash Award. David Puk was awarded the Paul Giel Award.