 After being defensive line coach from 1999 to 2002, Akey added defensive coordinator to his duties in 2003 under new head Bill Doba, who was previously defensive coordinator under Price.Akey became Idaho's fourth head coach in 37 months when he was hired on December 20, 2006, by athletic director Rob Spear.He was the first Idaho head coach since Jerry Davitch (1978–81) without previous ties to the Vandals, either as a former player or assistant coach.