Stanford Football Turns to Frank Reich: Veteran NFL Coach Named Interim HC for 2025 Season

Stanford Cardinal Make Bold Move with Reich Hire

In a strategic shakeup, Stanford University has announced the appointment of seasoned NFL coach Frank Reich as interim head football coach for the 2025 season. This high-profile transition follows the controversial dismissal of Troy Taylor amid allegations of workplace misconduct. Reich, who last coached the Carolina Panthers in 2023, brings a 41-43-1 career NFL record and Super Bowl-winning experience to the struggling Pac-12 program.

A One-Year Rebuilding Mission

According to ESPN sources, both parties have agreed this will be a single-season arrangement, with Stanford launching a national search for a permanent replacement post-2025. The 63-year-old Reich emphasized his commitment in a statement:

"Mentoring elite student-athletes to achieve their fullest potential is a responsibility I embrace completely."

The decision reflects GM Andrew Luck's aggressive restructuring efforts. The former Stanford and Colts quarterback – now the only NCAA GM with full coaching staff authority – previously worked with Reich during his final NFL season (2018). Luck praised the hire:

"Frank is a teacher, winner, and consummate leader. His values align perfectly with our vision for Stanford football."

Coaching Staff Overhaul

Additional changes include promoting Tight Ends Coach Nate Byham to offensive coordinator, tasked with reviving an offense that ranked 117th nationally in 2024. The Cardinal have endured four consecutive 3-9 seasons, last appearing in a bowl game in 2018.

Reich’s Proven Pedigree

The new interim HC boasts championship credentials:

• 4 Super Bowl appearances as a Bills backup QB
• Super Bowl LII victory as Eagles OC (2017)
• Developed MVP-candidates (Carson Wentz, Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck)

His NFL head coaching tenure saw mixed results, including becoming the first coach since 1970 fired consecutively (Colts 2022, Panthers 2023).

Challenges Ahead

Stanford faces immediate hurdles:

• Star LB David Bailey entered the transfer portal
• Ongoing search for permanent Athletic Director
• Recruiting amid conference realignment uncertainty

The Cardinal open 2025 against TCU on August 30 – Reich’s first chance to implement his offensive philosophy in the collegiate arena.