BREAKING: The Stanford Cardinal has just announced the appointment of Tavita Pritchard as the new head football coach, marking a significant shift in leadership for the struggling program. This decision comes just a day before Stanford faces No. 9 Notre Dame in the final game of the season.
Pritchard, a former standout quarterback at Stanford, takes over from Frank Reich, who served as interim coach after Troy Taylor was fired amid controversy. Under Reich, the Cardinal managed a 4-7 record, its highest win total in five seasons. The school confirmed that Reich will remain with the program as a senior advisor.
At just 38 years old, Pritchard becomes the 37th head coach in Stanford’s storied history. He is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders and will officially step into his new role after the Commanders’ game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Pritchard’s connection to Stanford runs deep. He made headlines on October 6, 2007, leading the Cardinal to an unforgettable 24-23 upset victory over No. 2 USC, a moment that remains one of the greatest in the school’s history. In that game, Pritchard threw a game-winning touchdown pass on fourth down with just 49 seconds left, solidifying his place in Stanford lore.
In a statement, Andrew Luck, Stanford’s general manager, expressed confidence in Pritchard, stating, “Tavita Pritchard is exactly the right head coach at the right time to help us build on the foundation of this season.” Luck emphasized Pritchard’s leadership skills, noting his ability to connect with players and develop talent.
Pritchard himself voiced his excitement about returning to Stanford, saying, “Stanford is a place like no other and my family and I are full of gratitude to be returning home. I have a clear vision of the hard work, brotherhood, and tenacity it will take to build a championship Stanford football program.”
As Pritchard transitions from the NFL to college football, he has garnered praise from Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who called him “smart, collaborative, and diligent.” Quinn believes Pritchard will effectively build a winning culture at Stanford.
The Cardinal’s long absence from bowl games, with no appearances since 2018, highlights the urgency of Pritchard’s mission. Reich, expressing his support, stated, “I believe Tavita is the perfect builder to help continue Stanford’s mission of success.”
Pritchard’s extensive coaching experience at Stanford includes roles as a graduate assistant, defensive assistant, and offensive coordinator over a span of over a decade before joining the Commanders. His return is seen as a pivotal moment for the program.
Fans and alumni are eager to see how Pritchard’s leadership will reshape the Cardinal’s football landscape. The official introduction of Pritchard as head coach is set for Tuesday, and the Stanford community is ready to rally behind their new leader as they aim for a fresh start in the coming seasons.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Pritchard prepares to take the helm of Stanford football.
