He taught social studies and coached basketball at several high schools in North Carolina.

Before the 1986–87 season, he was named head coach at Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, North Carolina.

He led the Falcons to a 181–91 record in his nine years as their coach, including one berth in the NAIA championship game.

The 49ers enjoyed consistent success during Lutz's tenure, reaching the NCAA tournament five times (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005), plus three appearances in the NIT (2000, 2006 and 2008).

[5] He compiled a 218–158 record at UNC Charlotte,[6][7] and is the school's winningest men's basketball coach.

[10] After the 2016–17 season, Windy City Bulls head coach Nate Loenser switched jobs with Chicago Bulls assistant coach Charlie Henry and Lutz was not a part of Henry's 2017-18 staff.