 Following a 1984 season that saw the 'Cats go 4–6–1, Burke was replaced by Cleve Bryant, an Ohio legend who was responsible for quarterbacking the 1967 and 1968 MAC championship teams.Bryant proved less successful as a coach, however, and led the team to a 2–9 record in his first year.He followed that up with 1–10 campaigns in 1986 and 1987, leading to his best year in 1988.