Frank Reich Signs Stanford Interim HC Contract for Only 1 Season, Says GM Andrew Luck

Stanford hired former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich to replace Troy Taylor, the team announced Monday.

Stanford Football general manager Andrew Luck released a statement on Reich's hiring:

“I could not be more excited for our coaches, staff and players to have Frank as our head football coach for the 2025 season. 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.”

ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported that Reich will only be the interim coach for the 2025 season, after which the school will embark on a full-scale search for a more permanent solution.

“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.”

Thamel also reported that "Stanford is promoting tight ends coach Nate Byham to offensive coordinator, as a corresponding move with the Frank Reich promotion. Byham is also set to be the play caller."

Citing the need for a "reset," Luck announced on March 25 that the program was moving on from Taylor. The decision came after ESPN's Xuan Thai reported on March 19 that the school had twice investigated the coach for what was described as "hostile and aggressive behavior."

Waiting until late March to fire Taylor left the Cardinal in a tough spot. They had to scramble to find a replacement with the spring portal opening on April 16 and quickly closing on the 25th. Not surprisingly, some players on the roster are evaluating their options after the coaching change.

It's easy to see the logic in appointing Reich. He doesn't have any coaching experience at the college level, but he's a recognizable name within the profession.

The adjustment to college ball should be a little easier, too, since his one-year term means he won't be focusing on recruiting too much. His duties will be largely focused on guiding Stanford to a winning record.

The downside is that the Cardinal will inevitably struggle to build a strong 2026 class when prospective recruits have no idea who will be coaching the team long term.

In addition to the fact he hasn't worked in college, the end of Reich's tenure in Indianapolis and Carolina left something to be desired. He was fired midseason after 3-5-1 and 1-10 starts.

As a steady hand guiding the ship, Reich is far from a sure thing, and finishing with a bad record will only make it tougher for Stanford to attract a strong coaching candidate next offseason.