Danny Lee Holcomb (June 25, 1934 – August 25, 2024) was an American soccer coach, tennis coach, and university professor. He was the inaugural head coach of the South Florida Bulls men's soccer program, serving from 1965 to 1986. During his 22-year tenure, he compiled an overall record of 216–86–22, secured 22 consecutive winning seasons, won eight Sun Belt Conference tournament championships, and made six NCAA Tournament appearances.

Holcomb coached the first intercollegiate varsity athletic event in the history of the University of South Florida (USF) in October 1965 and was named Sun Belt Coach of the Year twice (1976, 1980). He also served as USF's head men's tennis coach in 1978 and worked as an assistant professor of physical education until his retirement in 2003. He was inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Playing career Holcomb played collegiate football for the Washburn Ichabods while attending Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

Coaching career

Soccer Holcomb founded the men's soccer program at the University of South Florida (USF) in 1965 and led it for its first 22 seasons. The Bulls achieved 22 consecutive winning seasons and compiled an overall record of 216–86–22 (.701 winning percentage).

The team captured eight Sun Belt Conference championships (including four consecutive titles from 1979 to 1982) and made six NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to the second round twice. Holcomb was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 1976 and 1980.

His teams posted strong postseason results, with a 24–7–4 record in postseason play and a 22–2–3 mark in Sun Belt Conference tournament games. Holcomb also briefly coached the USF tennis team in addition to soccer.

Tennis While completing his graduate studies at Florida State University in the early 1960s, Holcomb assisted with the university's tennis program. This background in tennis later led to him being named the head men's tennis coach at USF for the 1978 season when the program faced a sudden coaching vacancy.

Legacy Holcomb was inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 as part of its second class. He is recognized for establishing the foundation of one of USF's most successful athletic programs, which has since produced numerous professional players and further NCAA success.

Personal life Following his graduate studies, Holcomb relocated to Tampa, Florida, to join the physical education faculty at the newly established University of South Florida. Beyond his 22-year tenure coaching the men's soccer program, he also served as an assistant professor in USF's College of Education, teaching courses in kinesiology and sports science until his retirement.

Holcomb was married to his wife, Joanne, for over 50 years, and the couple had three children. Following his coaching career, he remained in the Tampa Bay sports community until his death on August 25, 2024, at the age of 90.

Head coaching record

Soccer YearTeamOverallConferenceStandingPostseasonSouth Florida Bulls (Independent) (1965–1975)1965South Florida6–4–0—1966South Florida10–0–1—1967South Florida10–2–0—1968South Florida6–2–1—1969South Florida8–2–0—NCAA Round of 161970South Florida7–3–1—NCAA First Round1971South Florida7–3–0—NCAA First Round1972South Florida9–4–2—NCAA Division II Round of 161973South Florida10–3–0—NCAA Division I Round of 161974South Florida6–6–2—1975South Florida9–3–1—NCAA First RoundSouth Florida Bulls (Sun Belt Conference) (1976–1986)1976South Florida11–6–14–0–01stSun Belt Tournament Champions1977South Florida10–5–02–1–01stSun Belt Tournament Champions1978South Florida7–7–11–2–03rd1979South Florida12–6–03–1–01stSun Belt Tournament Champions1980South Florida14–1–13–0–01stSun Belt Tournament Champions1981South Florida12–2–13–0–01stSun Belt Tournament Champions1982South Florida13–3–34–0–01stNCAA First Round; Sun Belt Tournament Champions1983South Florida15–4–13–0–11st (East)1984South Florida13–6–23–1–01st (East)1985South Florida12–6–23–0–11st (East)Sun Belt Tournament Champions1986South Florida9–8–22–0–11st (East)Sun Belt Tournament ChampionsSouth Florida:216–86–2228–5–3Total:216–86–22

Honors

Coaching awards

Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year (2): 1976, 1980

Championships

Sun Belt Conference Tournament Champions (8): 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986 Sun Belt Conference Regular Season Champions (7): 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 (East), 1984 (East), 1985 (East)

Hall of Fame inductions

USF Athletic Hall of Fame: Class of 2010 Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame Pioneer Award: Awarded posthumously in 2026

References