Eight weeks into the season, we have our first head coach firing of 2012, and that honor belongs to Idaho’s Robb Akey.
The story was first reported by FootballScoop.com and later picked up by the Spokesman-Review. The school later confirmed the firing in a statement. Offensive coordinator Jason Gesser has been named interim coach.
“The President (Duane Nellis) and I believe it is important to make this move now so we can immediately begin the process of hiring a new coach for the 2013 season,” athletic director Rob Spear said. “We appreciate Coach Akey’s enthusiasm and dedication to the University of Idaho but this is the right move at this time.”
Akey, who is 20-50 in six years with the Vandals, was fired one day after losing 70-28 to Louisiana Tech. Idaho is 1-7 this season.
Akey signed a contract extension in 2010 to keep in through 2014. The Vandals went to the Humanitarian Bowl following the 2009 season, but have won just nine games since.
Per his contract with the school, Akey should receive his base salary of $165,800 annually “until the terms of this Agreement ends or until (Akey) obtains employment, which occurs first.”
Left out in the cold by conference realignment, Idaho starts its first season as a Division 1 Independent next year.