He graduated from the University of Idaho, where was the captain of the football and basketball teams. Prior to his tenure at BYU, Atkinson coached football at Pocatello High School, where his record was 38–11.
Atkinson's academic background is rooted in his experience as a team captain at the University of Idaho, where he excelled in both football and basketball. His coaching tenure prior to BYU was marked by success at Pocatello High School, where he compiled an impressive 38-11 record.