Holcomb was named Miami University's head football coach for the 1942 season succeeding Frank Wilton. His first team went 3–6 which equaled the number of wins of the three previous years for the Redskins. The next year Holcomb and the Redskins posted a winning record of 7–2–1.
Holcomb became Miami University's head football coach in 1942, succeeding Frank Wilton. His first team had a 3–6 record, matching the previous three years' win totals for the Redskins. The following year, Holcomb led the Redskins to a winning record of 7–2–1.