"Stanford is hiring Tavita Pritchard as the school's next head coach, sources told ESPN on Friday. The hire has been finalized, per sources, and the team has been informed. He's a former Stanford quarterback, assistant coach and coordinator. Pritchard is the Washington Commanders quarterbacks coach, a job he took in 2023 after various roles on the Stanford staff from 2010 to 2022. Pritchard has received permission to leave the Commanders to join the Stanford staff, which sources say he's expected to do after Washington plays Denver on Sunday night."
"Pritchard emerged from a pool of more than 30 candidates in a process run by general manager Andrew Luck that included new athletic director John Donahoe, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Stanford President Jonathan Levin. Stanford's pool included strong interest from both the college and NFL world. "Beyond his extensive history at the school, Tavita resoundingly emerged as the best candidate," a Stanford source told ESPN. "His leadership qualities, especially as a connector of people, a strong football mind and a history of recruiting high-end players to Stanford all factored into the decision.""
"It's the first signature full-time hire for Luck, who was hired a year ago. It's also the biggest early move of Donahoe's tenure after being hired in the athletic director chair on July 31. Pritchard and Luck have a long relationship, as Pritchard was Stanford's starting quarterback in 2008 before getting beat out by Luck in 2009. Pritchard will replace interim coach Frank Reich, who came in for the 2025 season. Stanford is 4-7 heading into the season finale at home against No. 9 Notre Dame on Saturday. Reich led Stanford to an upset of rival Cal last week, snapping a four-year losing streak. Pritchard brings extensive experience on the offensive side of the ball, as he coached Jayden Daniels in his Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl season in 2024."
Tavita Pritchard will become Stanford's head football coach after receiving permission to leave his role as Washington Commanders quarterbacks coach. Pritchard returns to Stanford after coaching on the staff from 2010–2022 and serving as the 2008 starting quarterback. The hiring followed a search of more than 30 candidates led by general manager Andrew Luck with input from athletic director John Donahoe and other university leaders. Stanford cited Pritchard's leadership, recruiting track record and offensive expertise. Pritchard will replace interim coach Frank Reich as Stanford enters its season finale with a 4-7 record.
Read at ESPN.com
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