Walt Holmer was hired as the team's head coach in January 1942. He replaced Pat Hanley who was called to duty with the Marine Corps. Holmer had been the team's backfield coach for the prior eight years.[2] Holmer later resigned his post in March 1943 to enter the Naval Reserve.[3]
Boston University was ranked at No. 175 (out of 590 college and military teams) in the final rankings under the Litkenhous Difference by Score System for 1942.[4]