John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, November 28, 2025 at 10:51 PM UTC·2 min readThe next domino of the college football coaching carousel has dropped, and it doesn't involve Lane Kiffin.
It instead involves Stanford, which announced on Friday, Nov. 28 that it has hired Washington Commanders quarterback coach Tavita Pritchard to be the Cardinal's next head coach. He will take over for Frank Reich, who has been serving as interim coach this season after Stanford fired Troy Taylor in March.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPritchard is expected to start at Stanford following the Commanders' game on Sunday, Nov. 30 vs. the Denver Broncos.
REQUIRED READING: Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? Coach has 'a lot of praying to do'
"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," Stanford general manager Andrew Luck said in a statement. "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. I could not be more excited to welcome Tavita, Caroline and their family back to campus."
Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.
Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris from North Texas to be the Cowboys next head coach. Morris replaces longtime OSU coach Mike Gundy, who was fired earlier this season.
Colorado State hired Jim Mora Jr. as its new head coach. Mora led UConn to back-to-back nine-win seasons and replaces Jay Norvell, who was fired midseason.
Oregon State hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its head coach, replacing Trent Bray who was fired after an 0-7 start this season.1 / 4These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home
Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.1 / 4These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home
Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.2 / 4These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home
Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris from North Texas to be the Cowboys next head coach. Morris replaces longtime OSU coach Mike Gundy, who was fired earlier this season.3 / 4These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home
Colorado State hired Jim Mora Jr. as its new head coach. Mora led UConn to back-to-back nine-win seasons and replaces Jay Norvell, who was fired midseason.4 / 4These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home
Oregon State hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its head coach, replacing Trent Bray who was fired after an 0-7 start this season.Similar to Luck, Pritchard is returning to his alma mater as he takes over as coach. A former quarterback from 2006 through 2009 at Stanford, Pritchard made 20 career starts with the Cardinal and threw for 2,865 yards and 15 touchdowns in 31 total games.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"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 in a statement. "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."
Stanford finishes the season against No. 9 Notre Dame (No. 9 in College Football Playoff rankings) at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 29
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stanford football hires Tavita Pritchard as next coach
AdvertisementAdvertisement
