The Panthers played their home games at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, Florida, and competed in the East Division of Conference USA (C-USA).

The season was marred by drama and controversy, with athletic director Pete Garcia clearing his desk out in the middle of the night, with no prior announcement or news conference.

A few days later, it was announced that head coach Butch Davis would not be returning following the season.

Davis alleged that university administrators had cut the football program's budget by $500,000 each year for the past two years and that coaches were not allowed to recruit on the road.

[1] The Panthers were predicted to finish in sixth place in the East Division in the Conference USA preseason poll.