With the Big Sky Conference football kickoff event underway in Spokane, Washington, University of Idaho head football coach Thom Ford addressed reporters at media day, speaking to themes of program continuity, team culture, and changes to his coaching staff heading into the new season.
The Vandals enter fall camp with new coordinators on staff, a development Ford acknowledged as he outlined his vision for the program. While specific coordinator names and details were not fully available, Ford’s message centered on building a consistent identity at Idaho — a program that returned to the Football Bowl Subdivision level in recent years and has been working to establish itself as a contender in the Big Sky Conference.
Moscow-based practice sessions are set to begin within days of the conference’s annual media gathering, giving the Vandals little time to prepare before the eyes of the league turn toward the season. Ford’s focus on culture suggests the coaching staff is prioritizing the locker room environment as a foundation for on-field performance.
The Big Sky Conference media day serves as an annual opportunity for head coaches across the league to preview their rosters, address personnel changes, and set expectations for the season ahead. For Idaho, which competes out of Moscow, the event offers a chance to generate momentum before fall camp opens.
Vandals fans looking for more on the football program and campus life this fall can also check out coverage of the University of Idaho’s August Move-In Day community initiative, while basketball fans can follow the program’s roster-building with the signing of guard Zuby Toms for the 2026-27 season.
What Comes Next
The Vandals are expected to open fall camp in Moscow in the coming days. Full schedule and opponent information for the University of Idaho football season will be available through the program’s official athletics site as the season approaches.