'Stanford Appoints Frank Reich as Temporary Head Coach'
Stanford is bringing on former NFL head coach Frank Reich to serve as the Cardinal's interim coach for the 2025 season, according to multiple reports on Monday.
Both parties have agreed to a one-year contract as Stanford conducts a nationwide search to replace Troy Taylor, who was fired last week following allegations of mistreatment and disrespect towards female athletic staff members.
Reich, 63, has no prior experience coaching at the collegiate level. The former NFL quarterback served as head coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018-2022, achieving a record of 40-33-1 and leading the team to two playoff appearances. In 2023, Reich took over as head coach for the Carolina Panthers but was let go after a disappointing 1-10 start.
Previously, Reich spent time on the West Coast as quarterbacks coach (2013) and offensive coordinator (2014-2015) for the then-San Diego Chargers. He then served as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-2017 before being hired as head coach for the Colts.
According to ESPN, Stanford is also promoting tight ends coach Nate Byham to offensive coordinator, with the added responsibility of calling plays.
Taylor, 56, was fired last Tuesday, less than a week after an ESPN report detailed allegations made by staff members.
"After careful consideration, it has become clear to me that our program is in need of a fresh start," said Stanford general manager Andrew Luck in a statement announcing Taylor's dismissal. "After consulting with university leadership, I have come to the conclusion that Coach Taylor is no longer the right fit to lead our football program. Coach Taylor has been notified of this decision and the change is effective immediately."
Reich's first season as head coach for the Colts in 2018 also marked the final season for Luck as the team's quarterback. The Colts finished with a record of 10-6 and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoffs before Luck unexpectedly retired ahead of the 2019 season at the age of 29.
Stanford has had four consecutive 3-9 seasons, with the last two occurring under Taylor's leadership. The Cardinal's most recent appearance in a postseason game was in the Sun Bowl in 2018.
