Stanford hired Washington Commanders quarterbacks coach and alumnus Tavita Pritchard as head coach for the 2026-27 season. General manager Andrew Luck announced the move on Friday, a day before Stanford faces No. 9 Notre Dame in its 2025 season finale.
But why did Stanford choose Pritchard? Let’s review his credentials and achievements leading up to his hiring.
Who is Tavita Pritchard?
Pritchard played quarterback for Stanford from 2006 to 2009 and started the memorable 24-23 upset of No. 2 USC in 2007 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Cardinal, a 41-point underdog, rallied as Pritchard threw a game-winning 10-yard touchdown pass on fourth down with 49 seconds left.
In four seasons with Stanford, Pritchard played 31 games, completed 53.9% of his passes for 2,865 yards, and recorded 15 touchdowns with 24 interceptions. He also rushed for 173 yards and scored a touchdown. After utilizing his eligibility, he served as a graduate assistant, defensive assistant, and running backs coach from 2010 to 2013, and then became quarterbacks and wide receivers’ coach the following year.
He held two coaching positions until 2017. The following season, Pritchard remained the quarterbacks coach and was promoted to offensive coordinator. While coaching quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and wide receivers at Stanford, he developed talents such as tailback Bryce Love, tackle Walter Little, receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, and quarterbacks Kevin Hogan, Davis Mills, and Tanner McKee.
MORE: Stanford HC Frank Reich Brings Unique Perspective to Notre Dame College Football Playoff Debate
Pritchard’s work as quarterbacks coach impressed the NFL’s Washington Commanders, who hired him in 2023 to develop LSU signal-caller Jayden Daniels. The partnership was a success, earning Daniels Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
Tavita Pritchard Beats More Than 30 Candidates for Stanford HC Job
Pritchard, who will join the Stanford staff after Washington plays Denver on Sunday night, emerged from a pool of more than 30 candidates in a process run by Luck, according to an ESPN report.
Sources: Stanford is hiring Tavita Pritchard as the school’s next head coach. He’s a former quarterback, assistant coach and coordinator at the school, including a run on staff from 2010 to 2022. pic.twitter.com/vpPu1LqHmQ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 28, 2025
The selection process involved new athletic director John Donahoe, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Stanford president Jonathan Levin. The candidates’ pool was so diverse that it generated strong interest from both college and NFL circles.
“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,” Luck said in a statement.
“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. I could not be more excited to welcome Tavita, Caroline, and their family back to campus,” he added.
Reacting to the development, Pritchard expressed excitement over the news of his hiring.
“Stanford is a place like no other, and my family and I are full of gratitude to be returning home in every sense of the word,” Pritchard said. “I have a clear vision of the hard work, brotherhood, and tenacity it will take to build a championship Stanford football program.”
“I cannot wait to partner with Andrew and begin working with the best student-athletes in the world to achieve excellence on and off the field,” he added.
Stanford now seeks to move past the controversy that clouded Troy Taylor’s tenure as program director. Consequently, Luck dismissed the coach and appointed his former NFL mentor, Reich, who stabilized the program despite a losing record.
The Cardinal has a solid recruiting class, which ESPN ranked in the Top 40. Pritchard’s hiring is expected to give them further leverage in securing commitments from future prospects they are interested in, following the hiring.
