He began his coaching career at high schools in Norwich and Massapequa, New York before moving up to the college level.

After his coaching career ended in 1980, Lotz returned to the University of North Carolina as an assistant athletic director and he directed the community outreach program.

He involved hundreds of North Carolina student-athletes in various volunteer projects, including the Thanksgiving food drive for underprivileged families, the Juvenile Diabetes Walkathon, and clothing collections for the needy.

Lotz received the Governor's Award for Excellence for Crime Prevention in recognition of his work with youth in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

[4] In 2003, the FCA established its annual John Lotz Barnabas Award to "honor a basketball coach who best exhibits a commitment to Christ, integrity, encouragement to others and lives a balanced life"; past winners include John Wooden and Steve Alford.