In 2008, the Bronchos hired Tracy Holland as their head coach. In his first year as head coach the Bronchos had a 7–4 record and won the LSCs South Division Championship. However, the program's record declined every year under Holland. The decline in performance coincided with the NCAA's decision to place the Bronchos on three years probation for "lack of institutional control," starting in 2008 from infractions that occurred under Chuck Langston. As a result of penalties, UCO's roster was reduced from 100 players to 90 players each season during the probation. In December 2011, Holland was fired as head coach after compiling a 15–29 record during his four seasons at the helm. The following month, Nick Bobeck, a UCO alumnus and former fullback for the Bronchos, was hired to take the reins as head football coach at UCO.
