happened again. His move was vindicated when the Irish defeated USC anyway. Holtz was named national coach of the year (Paul “Bear” Bryant Award) in 1988, the same season he took Notre Dame to an upset of No. 1 Miami in the Catholics vs. Convicts series and a win over No. 3 West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, thus capturing the national championship. The Irish is finished a perfect 12–0 in 1988, its last undefeated season and national championship to date. Occasionally, despite his lack of success with the N.Y. Jets, he was rumored to be leaving Notre Dame for the NFL. Following a 6–10 season in 1990 and an 8–8 showing in 1991, the Minnesota Vikings were rumored to replace Jerry Burns with Holtz. However, Holtz denied these rumors each of those two seasons. Holtz remained at Notre Dame; the Vikings, meanwhile, hired Dennis Green to replace the retired Jerry Burns. Holtz nearly replaced Green five years later after retiring from Notre Dame. In 1989, Holtz led the Irish to a 12–1 record. The Irish began the season in the Kickoff Classic game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against Virginia. The Irish won by a score of 36–13. Next, top-ranked Notre Dame defeated No. 2 Michigan by a score of 24–19. That was followed by wins over Michigan State, ⁣ Purdue, ⁣ Stanford, ⁣ No. 17 Air Force, ⁣ No. 9 USC, ⁣ No. 7 Pittsburgh, ⁣ Navy, ⁣ SMU and No. 17 Penn State. The Irish would lose to No. 7 Miami the following week, ending Notre Dame's 23-game winning streak. Holtz would lead the Irish to a victory in the Orange Bowl over No. 1 Colorado to end the season. Holtz led the Fighting Irish to a 9–3 record in 1990. The season began with a No. 1 ranking and a victory over No. 4 Michigan by a score of 28–24. The Irish defeated No. 24 Michigan State the following week then beat Purdue. The Irish would suffer its first defeat of the season the next week, losing to Stanford by a score of 36–31. The Irish would rebound to post five consecutive wins, defeating Air Force, No. 2 Miami, Pittsburgh, Navy and No. 9 Tennessee. After losing 24–21 to No. 22 Penn State, ⁣ the Irish defeated USC by a score of 10–6 in the regular season finale. The Irish would get a rematch with Colorado