What Is 1986 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1986 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Dennis Erickson. They competed in the Big Sky Conference and played home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.

Key Facts

The 1986 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
They played in the NCAA Division I-AA football season
Dennis Erickson was in his first year as head coach
The team played home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho
They competed in the Big Sky Conference

Overview

The 1986 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by first-year head coach Dennis Erickson, the team competed as a member of the Big Sky Conference and played its home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility in Moscow, Idaho.

The Vandals showed signs of rebuilding under new leadership, finishing the season with a 5–6 overall record and a 3–4 mark in conference play. Despite not achieving a winning season, the year laid the foundation for future improvements under Erickson’s innovative offensive strategies.

5–6 overall record: The 1986 Idaho Vandals ended the season with five wins and six losses, a modest improvement over previous years under new leadership.
First season under Dennis Erickson: Erickson took over as head coach in 1986, bringing a modern passing offense that would later define his successful career.
Home games at the Kibbie Dome: The indoor Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, provided a unique home-field advantage and protected games from adverse weather.
Big Sky Conference member: The Vandals competed in the Big Sky Conference, facing rivals such as Montana, Idaho State, and Eastern Washington.
3–4 conference record: Idaho won three of seven conference games, showing competitiveness but falling short of a postseason berth.

How It Works

The 1986 season exemplified a transitional phase for Idaho football, marked by coaching changes, evolving offensive schemes, and conference competition dynamics. Understanding the team’s structure and operations reveals how college football programs adapt during rebuilding years.

Division I-AA football: In 1986, the NCAA split Division I into I-A and I-AA; Idaho competed in I-AA, the lower subdivision for championship eligibility.
Head coach Dennis Erickson: In his first year, Erickson implemented a pass-heavy offense that would later bring him fame at Miami and the NFL.
Kibbie Dome advantages: The enclosed stadium reduced weather disruptions and amplified crowd noise, giving Idaho a distinctive home-field edge.
Recruiting and roster development: The 1986 season focused on developing younger players, setting the stage for improved performance in later years.
Game scheduling: The Vandals played a mix of conference and non-conference opponents, including teams from the Pacific Coast and regional rivals.
Scoring and performance metrics: Idaho averaged approximately 20 points per game, reflecting an offense still adjusting to Erickson’s new system.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1986 Idaho Vandals compared to select peer teams in the Big Sky Conference:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Home Stadium
Idaho Vandals	5–6	3–4	Dennis Erickson	Kibbie Dome
Montana Grizzlies	7–4	6–1	Don Read	Washington-Grizzly Stadium
Idaho State Bengals	3–8	2–5	Mike Machurek	Holt Arena
Eastern Washington	5–6	3–4	Dick Zornes	Roos Field
Montana State	6–5	4–3	Jim Sweeney	Sonny Holland Stadium

The table highlights Idaho’s mid-tier performance in the 1986 Big Sky season. While not dominant, their 5–6 record placed them above Idaho State and competitive with Eastern Washington. Montana emerged as the conference leader, showcasing the competitive gap within the league.

Why It Matters

The 1986 season holds historical significance for the University of Idaho football program, marking the beginning of a new era under a coach who would become a national figure. Though not a championship year, it served as a crucial step in modernizing the team’s approach to offense and player development.

Launch of Dennis Erickson’s tenure: His time at Idaho launched a coaching career that included two national titles at Miami and NFL experience.
Offensive innovation: Erickson introduced a more aggressive passing game, influencing future college football strategies.
Program rebuilding: The 1986 season focused on long-term growth rather than immediate success, setting future expectations.
Conference competitiveness: Idaho remained a relevant contender in the Big Sky, maintaining fan engagement despite losing records.
Facility advantages: The Kibbie Dome continued to be a unique asset in NCAA football, supporting Idaho’s identity.
Historical continuity: The 1986 team is part of Idaho’s broader football legacy, bridging past and future program developments.

Overall, the 1986 Idaho Vandals football team may not be remembered for trophies, but it played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s trajectory and coaching legacy.