[4] The university board of trustees renewed his contract at an increased salary in 1941 for an additional five years,[5] but his service in the navy prevented him from coaching during World War II.

[7][8] He led the 1942 Georgia Pre-Flight Skycrackers football team to a 7–1–1 record, including victories over Penn, Auburn, and Alabama.

He was eventually promoted to lieutenant commander, and after the war ended in September 1945, the Navy released Wolf to inactive duty.

[12][13] Wolf was fired after the 1949 season, but nevertheless managed to leave Florida on a high note when his 1949 Gators upset the rival Georgia Bulldogs 28–7 for the first and only time during his tenure.

When Frnka unexpectedly resigned in March 1952, Wolf became the head coach and led the Green Wave during the 1952 and 1953 seasons,[1] finishing with a 6–13–1 overall record[4] and 3–12 in the SEC.