What Is 2014 Wyoming Cowboys football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming in the NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 4–8 record under head coach Craig Bohl, who was in his first year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 2014 Wyoming Cowboys finished the season with a 4–8 overall record
Head coach Craig Bohl took over in January 2014 after Dave Christensen's dismissal
They played in the Mountain West Conference's Mountain Division
Wyoming's offense averaged 18.4 points per game, ranking 115th nationally
Quarterback Brett Smith transferred, marking a major roster change

Overview

The 2014 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by first-year head coach Craig Bohl, the team competed in the Mountain West Conference's Mountain Division, marking a transitional phase for the program.

This season was significant as it followed the departure of long-time coach Dave Christensen and several key players. The Cowboys struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense, finishing with a losing record but laying groundwork for future improvement.

Record: The team finished with a 4–8 overall record, including a 2–6 mark in conference play, placing fifth in the Mountain Division.
New coaching staff:Craig Bohl was hired in January 2014 after a successful tenure at North Dakota State, bringing a renewed focus on discipline and physical play.
Offensive struggles: The Cowboys averaged only 18.4 points per game, ranking 115th out of 128 FBS teams, hampered by quarterback instability.
Defensive performance: Wyoming's defense allowed 27.1 points per game, a slight improvement over the previous season despite injuries in the secondary.
Key departure: Star quarterback Brett Smith entered the NFL Draft, and his absence was felt as multiple players rotated at the position during the season.

How It Works

The 2014 season reflected Wyoming's transition under new leadership, both on the field and in program culture. Bohl implemented a more run-oriented, physical style of play aimed at long-term sustainability.

Recruiting overhaul:Bohl and staff signed 23 new players, focusing on junior college transfers and regional talent to quickly upgrade roster depth.
Quarterback rotation:Three different starting quarterbacks were used, including true freshman Josh Allen’s first collegiate action in limited duty.
Defensive scheme: The team ran a base 4-3 alignment, emphasizing gap control and tackling fundamentals to improve consistency.
Strength and conditioning: Bohl introduced a NDSU-style training regimen, increasing offseason participation and physical readiness.
Special teams focus: Kicker Cooper Rothe emerged as a reliable asset, making 10 of 14 field goals and all 21 extra point attempts.
Home field advantage: Playing at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie (elevation 7,220 ft), the team aimed to leverage altitude and cold weather against visitors.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 season can be better understood by comparing it to both the previous year and future performance under Bohl’s leadership.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Head Coach
2012	8–6	4–4	25.8	Dave Christensen
2013	5–7	4–4	21.7	Dave Christensen
2014	4–8	2–6	18.4	Craig Bohl
2015	4–8	3–5	20.9	Craig Bohl
2016	8–6	5–3	27.8	Craig Bohl

The data shows a dip in performance in 2014 as Bohl rebuilt the program, but the foundation laid that year contributed to a significant turnaround by 2016, when Wyoming returned to a bowl game. The transition year was critical for cultural and strategic realignment.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season, while not successful in wins and losses, was pivotal in setting the stage for future success at Wyoming. It marked the beginning of a new era under Craig Bohl, whose leadership would eventually lead to bowl eligibility and national recognition.

Program reset: Bohl instilled a professional, disciplined culture that reversed previous trends of underperformance and player turnover.
Josh Allen’s emergence: Though limited in 2014, Allen gained experience that prepared him for a breakout junior season and eventual NFL Draft success.
Recruiting shift: The emphasis on junior college transfers helped bridge the talent gap and stabilize the roster quickly.
Conference competitiveness: Despite the record, Wyoming remained competitive in close games, losing four contests by one possession.
Foundation for success: The 2014 season laid the groundwork for Wyoming’s 8–6 record in 2016 and a win in the Poinsettia Bowl.
Long-term impact: Bohl’s tenure culminated in a Mountain West Championship appearance in 2017, validating the 2014 rebuild.

The 2014 Wyoming Cowboys may not have achieved immediate success, but their role in transforming the program’s trajectory makes them a crucial chapter in the team’s modern history.