The Vandals were led by sixth-year head coach Robb Akey for the first eight games and played their home games on campus at the Kibbie Dome.

This was Idaho's final season as a member of the Western Athletic Conference; the WAC ceased to support football after the 2012 season, and Idaho played as an independent in football in 2013.

First-year offensive coordinator Jason Gesser was appointed interim head coach for the final four games,[3] in which the Vandals were winless.

On December 3, Paul Petrino was hired as head coach for the 2013 season.

No Vandals were selected in the 2013 NFL draft, but defensive end Benson Mayowa made the opening day roster of the Seattle Seahawks as a rookie free agent.