Stanford Hires Tavita Pritchard as Head Football Coach

Stanford University has hired Tavita Pritchard as its new head football coach, the school announced on Friday, bringing the 38-year-old back to the program where he once played and coached. Pritchard, currently the quarterbacks coach for the NFL's Washington Commanders, will replace interim coach Frank Reich following the Cardinal's season finale against No. 9 Notre Dame on Saturday.

General Manager Andrew Luck, a former Stanford quarterback who took over the program's front office last November, praised the hire in a statement. "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 said. "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. Coach Pritchard is a culture builder, a teacher of football of the highest caliber, and a humble yet determined servant leader who is committed to the success of Stanford's student-athletes."

Pritchard expressed enthusiasm about returning to Stanford, where he graduated in 2009. "Stanford is a place like no other and my family...