The Stanford Cardinal has appointed Tavita Pritchard as its new head football coach, marking a significant return for the former player who led one of the school’s most memorable victories nearly two decades ago. The announcement came on the afternoon of December 1, 2023, just a day before Stanford concludes its season against No. 9 Notre Dame at home. Pritchard succeeds Frank Reich, who served as interim head coach this season after the dismissal of Troy Taylor under controversial circumstances.
Pritchard, 38, takes charge of a Cardinal team that holds a record of 4-7, the highest win total for the program in five seasons. In a statement, Stanford confirmed that Reich will continue to play a supporting role as a senior advisor to Pritchard.
Legacy and Leadership
Pritchard, a graduate of Stanford University in 2009, currently serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders. He will officially assume his new role at Stanford following the Commanders’ game against the Denver Broncos on December 3, 2023. A press conference introducing Pritchard as the head coach is scheduled for December 5, 2023.
In the statement issued by the university, Andrew Luck, Stanford’s general manager, emphasized the essential qualities needed in college football leadership. “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,” Luck stated. “Tavita Pritchard is exactly the right head coach at the right time to help us build on the foundation of this season and lead Stanford football to its next great era.”
Pritchard’s connection to Stanford runs deep. He made headlines on October 6, 2007, when he made his first career start as quarterback. In a remarkable upset, he led the Cardinal to a 24-23 victory over the No. 2 ranked USC, a game that remains one of the most significant upsets in college football history. Pritchard’s performance in that match, including a decisive touchdown pass with just 49 seconds left, solidified his place in the university’s storied football history.
Coaching Credentials and Vision
Pritchard’s coaching career began shortly after his graduation. He joined Stanford’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2010 and held various roles, including defensive assistant, running backs coach, and offensive coordinator. His extensive experience at Stanford, combined with his recent tenure in the NFL, positions him uniquely to lead the program into a new chapter.
In his role with the Commanders, Pritchard has mentored several quarterbacks, including Jayden Daniels and Jacoby Brissett. Under his guidance, the team reached the 2024 NFC Championship Game. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expressed confidence in Pritchard’s abilities, stating, “Tavita will be a fantastic head coach, and I believe he will be especially effective at Stanford. Players gravitate to him, and he quickly earned their respect and mine.”
Expressing gratitude for his return to Stanford, Pritchard stated, “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. I have a clear vision of the hard work, brotherhood, and tenacity it will take to build a championship Stanford football program.”
Reich also commented on the transition, expressing his eagerness to support Pritchard. “I am so grateful to have served as interim coach at Stanford. I believe Tavita is the perfect builder to help continue Stanford’s mission of success,” he said.
As Pritchard embarks on this new journey, he faces the challenge of returning Stanford to its former glory in college football, having not participated in a bowl game since 2018. With a blend of experience, passion, and dedication, he aims to establish a winning culture that propels the Cardinal into a bright future.
