Frank Reich Named Stanford Interim Coach for 2025

Frank Reich is returning to the sidelines to lead the Stanford football team. However, the former NFL head coach will only be in charge of the Cardinal for one season.

On Monday, it was announced that Stanford hired Reich as its interim football coach for the 2025 season. According to sources, both parties agreed that Reich’s tenure will last just one year. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Stanford will begin its search for a new head coach.

Reich will become Stanford’s 36th head coach. Former star quarterback Andrew Luck, who is now the Stanford Football General Manager, spoke on Reich’s addition.

“I could not be more excited for our coaches, staff and players to have Frank as our head football coach for the 2025 season,” said Luck. “I have experienced first-hand the incredible impact Frank has demonstrated as a leader and have full confidence he is the perfect steward for this season of Stanford Football. Frank is a teacher, a winner and a coach of the highest caliber. Frank’s values align seamlessly with our vision for this program and I firmly believe in his ability to maximize the on-field potential of our student-athletes while serving as a role model in all aspects of their personal growth.”

Former head coach Troy Taylor was fired last week following multiple investigations into his behavior towards multiple women. Luck is familiar with Reich, as he coached Luck during his final season with the Indianapolis Colts. Reich, 63, was Indianapolis’ head coach from 2018-2022 and most recently was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

“I am thrilled to be working with Andrew again to help take an important step in establishing his vision for the Stanford Football program,” said Reich. “Andrew is an elite leader and competitor, and those traits, along with his genuine passion for this university, resonated in every way and inspired me to accept this role. 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.”

From 2010-2018, Stanford was a perennial Top 25 team and compiled a 94-27 record. However, the Cardinal have struggled immensely the past six seasons — going 20-46 while failing to win more than four games in any individual season.