What Is 1906 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1906 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1906 college football season, finishing with a 2–3 record under head coach Fred Murphy. It was the program's fourth season and part of the early development of intercollegiate football in the Northwest.

Key Facts

The 1906 Montana Grizzlies had a final record of 2 wins and 3 losses
Fred Murphy served as head coach during the 1906 season
The team played its home games in Missoula, Montana, at Main Street Grounds
Montana defeated Idaho and Montana State but lost to Gonzaga and Washington
The 1906 season marked the fourth year of football for the University of Montana

Overview

The 1906 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1906 college football season, marking the program's fourth year of competition. Under the leadership of head coach Fred Murphy, the team competed against regional opponents in what was still an emerging era for organized intercollegiate football in the American Northwest.

Playing a limited schedule by modern standards, the Grizzlies finished the season with a 2–3 record, reflecting both the growing pains of a young program and the challenges of scheduling consistent competition. Games were played at the Main Street Grounds in Missoula, a multi-purpose field that served as the university’s early home for athletics.

Season Record: The team completed the 1906 season with a 2–3 win-loss record, indicating modest success in a short schedule.
Head Coach: Fred Murphy led the team for the second consecutive year, continuing efforts to build a structured football program.
Home Venue: All home games were played at the Main Street Grounds, a rudimentary field lacking permanent stands or lighting.
Opponents: The Grizzlies faced regional rivals including Idaho, Gonzaga, Washington, and Montana State (then known as Montana Normal School).
Historical Context: The 1906 season occurred during a period of national reform in football, following concerns over player safety and brutality.

How It Works

College football in 1906 operated under drastically different rules and structures compared to today, with no formal conference affiliations or standardized season formats. Teams arranged games independently, often playing a mix of college and even club teams, and schedules were irregular.

Game Rules: The 1906 season introduced the legal forward pass, a revolutionary change intended to reduce injuries from mass formations and make the game safer.
Team Organization: The Grizzlies were student-organized with minimal administrative oversight, relying on volunteer coaches and local recruitment.
Travel & Logistics: Teams traveled by train or horse-drawn carriages over long distances, often facing poor road conditions and limited accommodations.
Player Eligibility: There were no formal NCAA regulations; eligibility was determined by individual institutions with little oversight.
Scoring System: Touchdowns were worth five points, field goals three, and safeties two, differing from modern point allocations.
Season Length: The Grizzlies played only five documented games, a typical number for regional teams in that era.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1906 Montana Grizzlies season compares to later developments in the program’s history:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Home Field	Notable Change
1906	2–3	Fred Murphy	Main Street Grounds	First year with legal forward pass
1912	4–1–1	George Dahlberg	Main Street Grounds	First undefeated season (partial)
1928	7–2	Edwin H. Duff	Dornblaser Field	Program gains regional prominence
1967	7–3	Jack Swarthout	Davis Stadium	First bowl-eligible season
2009	10–4	Robin Pflugrad	Washington-Grizzly Stadium	National championship appearance

This comparison highlights the evolution of the Montana football program from a loosely organized team in 1906 to a nationally competitive FCS power by the 21st century. Each era reflects broader changes in college athletics, including rule reforms, institutional investment, and the professionalization of coaching and training.

Why It Matters

The 1906 season is a foundational chapter in the history of Montana football, illustrating the humble origins of what would become a storied program. It captures a transitional moment in American sports, as football evolved from a violent, rugby-like contest into a more structured and regulated game.

Historical Foundation: The 1906 team laid the groundwork for future success, establishing traditions and rivalries that persist today.
Rule Innovation: Playing in the first year the forward pass was legal, the Grizzlies were part of a pivotal shift in football strategy.
Regional Identity: Early games helped solidify athletic rivalries with Idaho and Gonzaga, enhancing regional school pride.
Student Involvement: The team was largely student-run, reflecting the amateur spirit of early college sports.
Safety Reforms: The 1906 season responded to national concerns, helping legitimize football as a collegiate pursuit.
Legacy: Modern Montana fans trace the program’s roots back to seasons like 1906, honoring its perseverance and growth.

Understanding the 1906 season provides context for the development of college athletics in the American West and underscores how far both the sport and the institution have come.