URGENT UPDATE: Stanford University has officially hired former quarterback Tavita Pritchard as the new head football coach, a move announced by general manager Andrew Luck just before the Cardinal face No. 9 Notre Dame in their final game of the season on Saturday night.
Pritchard, a standout quarterback at Stanford from 2006 to 2009, returns to The Farm after serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders. This strategic appointment comes as Stanford seeks to revitalize its football program, which finished the season with a disappointing 4-7 record under interim coach Frank Reich.
Luck emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Winning in college football today requires a leader of men who can build and motivate teams, recruit future stars, and develop and connect with talent.” He declared Pritchard to be “exactly the right head coach at the right time to help us build on the foundation of this season.”
Pritchard’s appointment is significant not only for his coaching experience but also for his deep connection to Stanford. He previously served as an assistant coach at the university from 2010 to 2022 before moving to the NFL. He is known for his successful tenure at the Commanders, where he helped quarterback Jayden Daniels win the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2024.
“Stanford is a place like no other, and my family and I are full of gratitude to be returning home in every sense of the word,” Pritchard stated. “I have a clear vision of the hard work, brotherhood, and tenacity it will take to build a championship Stanford football program.”
Pritchard will officially take the helm on Monday, right after concluding his duties with the Commanders. His journey back to Stanford is filled with personal significance; he met his wife, Caroline, as an undergraduate there, and their family has strong ties to the community.
Luck’s confidence in Pritchard is echoed by Commanders head coach Quinn, who praised Pritchard’s ability to unite players and foster respect. “Tavita is smart, collaborative, diligent, and he brings people together. He is the perfect coach to build a winning program in today’s college football landscape,” Quinn noted.
This pivotal hire marks a new chapter for Stanford football as they aim to re-establish their prominence in the ACC and beyond. Fans and alumni are eager to see how Pritchard’s leadership will shape the future of the program.
Stay tuned for more updates as Stanford prepares for its matchup against Notre Dame and embarks on this exciting new era under Pritchard’s leadership.
