What Is 1977 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1977 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1977 NCAA Division I football season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Don Monson. They played their home games at Neale Stadium in Moscow, Idaho, and competed as an independent program.

Key Facts

The 1977 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
Head coach Don Monson led the team in his first and only season as football coach.
The team played home games at Neale Stadium in Moscow, Idaho.
They competed as an NCAA Division I independent, not belonging to a conference.
Quarterback Steve Schremp threw for 1,428 yards and 10 touchdowns during the season.

Overview

The 1977 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1977 NCAA Division I football season. Competing as an independent, the team was not part of any athletic conference, which allowed scheduling flexibility but limited postseason opportunities.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Don Monson, the Vandals achieved a winning record, a notable accomplishment given the program's transition period. The season reflected a mix of strong offensive performances and inconsistent defense, resulting in a final 7-4 win-loss tally.

Season Record: The team finished with a 7-4 overall record, marking one of the better seasons in the late 1970s for Idaho football.
Head Coach:Don Monson served as head coach in 1977, his only year in the role before focusing exclusively on the school's basketball program.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Neale Stadium, a 14,500-seat facility located on campus in Moscow, Idaho.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Steve Schremp passed for 1,428 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the team in total offense.
Independent Status: Idaho competed as an NCAA Division I independent, meaning they were not affiliated with a conference such as the Big Sky or WAC.

How It Works

The structure of college football in 1977 involved teams being grouped by division and conference, but independents like Idaho scheduled games independently. This section explains key terms and systems relevant to understanding the 1977 Vandals' season.

Division I Football: In 1977, NCAA Division I was the highest level of college football; Idaho competed at this level despite limited national exposure.
Independent Team: As an independent, Idaho was not bound to a conference, allowing flexible scheduling but eliminating automatic bowl eligibility.
Neale Stadium: This on-campus venue hosted all home games; it was later replaced by the Kibbie Dome in 1972 but still used for some events in 1977.
Don Monson: Primarily known as a basketball coach, Monson took over football temporarily after the resignation of Jerry Davitch, serving only in 1977.
Season Schedule: The team played 11 games, facing schools from the West Coast and Mountain regions, including Portland State and Utah State.
Player Development: The 1977 season helped lay groundwork for future improvements, with several underclassmen gaining starting experience.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1977 Idaho Vandals compare to similar teams from that era in key statistical categories:

Team	Record	Head Coach	Division	Stadium
Idaho Vandals (1977)	7-4	Don Monson	Division I Independent	Neale Stadium
Idaho State Bengals (1977)	3-8	Jim Koetter	Division I-AA (Big Sky)	Pocatello, ID
Washington State Cougars (1977)	5-6	Dave Arnold	Division I (Pac-8)	Martin Stadium
Oregon Ducks (1977)	2-9	Rich Brooks	Division I (Pac-8)	Autzen Stadium
Boise State Broncos (1977)	7-4	Jim Criner	Division II (Big Sky)	Boise, ID

The table shows that Idaho's 7-4 record matched Boise State’s despite playing at a higher division level. Unlike Idaho State and Oregon, the Vandals outperformed peers with similar regional footprints. Their independent status contrasted with conference-bound rivals, affecting postseason access and national ranking chances.

Why It Matters

The 1977 season holds historical significance for the University of Idaho as a transitional year with leadership changes and modest on-field success. It reflects a unique moment when a basketball-focused coach led the football program, highlighting administrative challenges in mid-major athletics.

Coaching Transition: Don Monson’s brief tenure underscores the instability in Idaho’s football leadership during the late 1970s.
Program Identity: Competing as an independent helped maintain scheduling control during a period of conference realignment.
Player Growth: Young players like Schremp gained valuable experience, forming the core of future rosters.
Historical Benchmark: The 7-4 record served as a benchmark for improvement in subsequent years under new coaching staff.
Regional Rivalries: Games against in-state teams like Boise State helped strengthen local fan engagement.
Legacy Value: The season is remembered as a footnote in Idaho sports history, illustrating resilience amid organizational flux.

While not a championship year, the 1977 Idaho Vandals season contributed to the long-term narrative of the program’s perseverance through change and uncertainty.