Stanford announced the hiring of longtime NFL coach Frank Reich as its interim head football coach for the 2025 season on Monday. Reich's deal will only cover one season.
After the 2025 campaign, Stanford will conduct a national search to find a permanent replacement for Troy Taylor, who was dismissed following serious allegations of misconduct. Taylor was fired after investigations revealed he bullied female athletic staff, tried to oust an NCAA compliance officer, and made inappropriate remarks toward a female employee.
Reich expressed his excitement for the opportunity to work at Stanford "The unique responsibility to mentor the best student-athletes in the world, to be the absolute best in what they aspire to do, is an opportunity I will fully embrace," Reich said in a statement.
This marks the first major move by Stanford's football general manager, Andrew Luck, who has complete control over the football staff. The former NFL QB was brought on in late 2024 to help rebuild the struggling program, which hasn't posted a winning season since 2020.
Reich's relationship with Luck goes back to 2018 when he coached him during the quarterback's final NFL season in Indianapolis.
Luck voiced full confidence in Reich, calling him "a teacher, a winner, and a coach of the highest caliber." He praised Reich's leadership qualities and alignment with Stanford's values, believing he can maximize the team's potential in 2025.
Reich, 63, brings a mixed NFL resume, including a Super Bowl win as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. His last two NFL stints ended abruptly, including a failed tenure with the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
Regardless of his past, Stanford is leaning on Reich's experience and character to stabilize the program during a crucial transition.
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 5:59 PM.