Career
He served as head football coach at the University of Wyoming (1975–1976), the University of Texas at Austin (1977–1986), and University (1987–1990), compiling a career college football record of 108–75–3. In both of those years, Texas went undefeated in the regular season only to lose in their bowl game. Akers received criticism from those who believed he failed to match the standard set by previous head coach Darrell Royal.
However, much of that was mitigated by an impressive overall record and a winning mark against Barry Switzer of the Oklahoma Sooners, who was 3–0–1 against Texas before Akers came along.
However, in Akers" last five years he struggled against Oklahoma, going 1–3–1, and against Texas Agricultural and Mechanical, losing his last three game to the Aggies by an average margin of 23 points. Akers drew ire from the Texas faithful for losing bowl games at the end of four consecutive seasons (1982–1985).
In 1986, after notching Texas" first losing record in 30 years, he left to become the head football coach at University. Akers was rumored as a candidate for the Baylor University job in 1993 that ultimately went to Chuck Reedy.
As of August 2008, Akers lives in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
University hired Akers to replace Leon Burtnett. The Akers hiring caused starting quarterback Jeff George to transfer due to the Akers running style offense as opposed to Burtnett"s passing offense.