The 1959 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the 1959 college football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Skip Stahley, the Vandals were an independent in the NCAA's University Division and had a 1–9 record. Two home games were played on campus at Neale Stadium in Moscow, with one in Boise at old Bronco Stadium at Boise Junior College.
The Pacific Coast Conference disbanded in the spring, and Idaho was an independent in football for the next six seasons. They played ten games for the first time; the first six were on the road, and two games were played at night (at Arizona and Pacific).
The Vandals suffered a fifth straight loss in the Battle of the Palouse with neighbor Washington State; Idaho led at halftime, but fell at Rogers Field in Pullman. In the rivalry game with Montana at Neale Stadium, the Vandals narrowly retained the Little Brown Stein in the finale to avoid going winless.
After this season, Stahley took on the dual role of athletic director
Schedule
Coaching staff Don Swartz, line Ed Knecht, backs J. V. Johnson, ends Wayne D. Anderson, freshmen
All-Coast
No Vandals made the All-Coast team or the second team. Honorable mention were end Jim Norton and tackle Jim Prestel; both went on to lengthy pro careers.
NFL draft Two seniors from the 1959 Vandals were selected in the 1960 NFL draft: Player Position Round Overall Franchise Jim Norton WR 7th 75 Detroit Lions Stan Fanning T 11th 128 Chicago Bears
One fifth-year senior was previously selected in the 1959 NFL draft: Player Position Round Overall Franchise Jim Prestel T 6th 70 Cleveland Browns
References
External links Gem of the Mountains: 1960 University of Idaho yearbook – 1959 football season Go Mighty Vandals – 1959 football season Official game program: Idaho at Washington State – October 24, 1959 Idaho Argonaut – student newspaper – 1959 editions