Stanford football hires Frank Reich as interim head coach

Stanford football’s General Manager, Andrew Luck, turned to a familiar face to guide the program, hiring his former Indianapolis Colts coach, Frank Reich, as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Reich is set to lead the team for one season as Stanford conducts a national search for a permanent replacement following the recent firing of Troy Taylor. 

Reich and Luck already share a strong bond from their time in Indianapolis, where Reich coached Luck in his final season as the Colts’ quarterback. In their lone season together, Reich led the Colts to a 10-6 overall record and a trip to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, while Luck earned Pro Bowl honors and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. 

Luck shared his enthusiasm in a statement Monday.

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

Reich brings decades of NFL experience to the Farm, both as a player and a coach. He played 14 seasons in the league as a quarterback before transitioning to the sidelines. Reich spent 18 seasons serving as quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator for various teams. His coaching career peaked with head coaching stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2018-22) and the Carolina Panthers (2023). Perhaps his most notable achievement came in 2017, when he served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping run the offense that led the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl victory. 

Likewise, Reich is eager for the opportunity to lead and mentor the Cardinal team.

“I am thrilled to be working with Andrew again to help take an important step in establishing his vision for the Stanford Football program,” Reich said in a statement. “Andrew is an elite leader and competitor, and those traits, along with his genuine passion for this university, resonate in every way and inspired me to accept this role.” 

Stanford is also promoting tight ends coach Nate Byham to offensive coordinator. Byham is set to be the play caller during the 2025 campaign, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. 

Reich’s hiring signals an important step in Stanford’s efforts to rebuild, having finished 3-9 in each of the past four seasons. His NFL experience and leadership combined with Luck’s vision for the program could be exactly what the Cardinal needs for the 2025 campaign.

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