A bit of an exaggeration here. 10-3 is a 0.77 win record. In his 11 seasons, Ara finished with a better record 7 times with twice being 0,80 because of 10 game seasons (8 wins 2 losses). Devine finished with a higher win % 2 times in his 6 seasons with one season at 9-2-1 (0.790 so very similar with the fewer games. Holtz finished with a higher win % in 4 seasons (1 tied at 10-3) with 6 seasons lower than 0.77 win record.
Ara was significantly better than 10-3 (0.77) in 5 of his 11 seasons and slightly better 2 times.
Devine was significantly better in 2 of his 6 seams.
Holtz was significantly better in 4 of his 11 seasons and 1 time with same 10-3 record.
Kelly now
So it is not true that 10-3 is a "poor" season for Notre Dame however much fans may want better.
Many historical periods have been for ND, but revisionist history based on perception does not help the discussion.