BREAKING: The Stanford Cardinal has named Tavita Pritchard as its new head football coach, just announced Friday, just hours before the team faces No. 9 Notre Dame in its season finale. Pritchard, a Stanford alum and former quarterback, takes over from interim coach Frank Reich, who stepped in after the controversial firing of Troy Taylor earlier this season.
Pritchard, 38, returns to Stanford as the program’s 37th head coach following a successful tenure as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders. His hiring signals a significant shift for the Cardinal, who currently hold a 4-7 record, their highest win total in five seasons. Reich will remain with the program as a senior advisor to Pritchard.
In an official statement, Andrew Luck, Stanford’s general manager, praised Pritchard’s leadership qualities: “Winning in college football today requires a leader of men who can build and motivate teams. Tavita Pritchard is exactly the right head coach at the right time to help us build on the foundation of this season.”
Pritchard is best remembered for leading one of the greatest upsets in college football history on October 6, 2007, when he, as a sophomore quarterback, guided Stanford to a stunning 24-23 victory over No. 2 ranked USC. The Cardinal entered that game as 41-point underdogs, and Pritchard capped the monumental win with a touchdown pass in the final seconds.
Pritchard’s coaching career includes a notable run at Stanford as a graduate assistant and later as offensive coordinator. In his three seasons with the Commanders, he has been instrumental in mentoring quarterbacks, helping the team reach the 2024 NFC Championship Game.
“I am full of gratitude to be returning home,” Pritchard said. “I have a clear vision of the hard work and brotherhood it will take to build a championship Stanford football program.”
His first official introduction as head coach will take place at a news conference on Tuesday, where he will outline his vision for the program. With Stanford not having played in a bowl game since 2018, Pritchard’s leadership will be critical as the Cardinal looks to return to prominence in college football.
Reich expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside Pritchard: “I believe Tavita is the perfect builder to help continue Stanford’s mission of success.”
As the Cardinal prepares to face Notre Dame, all eyes will be on Pritchard as he prepares to lead his former team into a new era. The stakes have never been higher, and the excitement in Stanford’s community is palpable as they welcome back one of their own.
