MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho football coach Robb Akey was relieved of his duties Sunday, Director of Athletics Rob Spear announced.

“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,” Spear said Sunday. “We appreciate Coach Akey's enthusiasm and dedication to the University of Idaho but this is the right move at this time.”

The Vandals are off to a 1-7 start this season and are coming off a 70-28 loss at Louisiana Tech. Akey, hired in 2007, has a win/loss record of 20-50 as head coach of the Vandals.

Spear said a search for Akey's replacement will begin immediately. In the interim, offensive coordinator Jason Gesser will serve as the Vandals head coach. Gesser has been on the Vandal staff for two seasons after a professional NFL and Canadian Football League career. He is a graduate of Washington State University where he was an All-American quarterback.

Akey's contract, which expires in December 2014, has a base salary of $165,796.

About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho inspires students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Through the university's $225 million Inspiring Futures capital campaign, private giving will enhance student learning, faculty research and innovation, and a spirit of enterprise. Learn more: www.uidaho.edu.