Stanford's Shocking Move: Why Ex-QB Tavita Pritchard's Hiring Could Change Everything!

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing its football program, Stanford University is reportedly hiring Tavita Pritchard as its next head coach. The announcement comes from ESPN's Pete Thamel, marking a pivotal moment for the Cardinal, who are looking to the past to guide their future.

Pritchard, 38, is no stranger to Stanford. He played for the Cardinal for four years and has spent the last 13 years as an assistant coach, making him a familiar face within the program. His most notable moment as a player came in 2007 when he was part of the team that pulled off an astonishing upset against No. 2 USC—the largest point-spread upset in college football history at that time. Pritchard threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute of that match, a moment that cemented his legacy in Stanford lore.

Most recently, Pritchard served as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders in the NFL, where he played a crucial role in developing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Under Pritchard’s guidance, Daniels experienced one of the best rookie seasons in the sport, which further positions him as a promising choice to lead Stanford back to glory.

This coaching change comes on the heels of the dismissal of former head coach Troy Taylor in March 2023, who left amid allegations of bullying staff members. In the interim, ex-NFL coach Frank Reich took over the reins but struggled to find success, with the team currently sitting at 4-7 and ranked 12th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as they approach their final home game against the No. 9 Notre Dame.

The decision to hire Pritchard suggests a commitment to restoring the Cardinal's competitive edge in college football. His deep understanding of the university's culture and history, combined with his recent professional experience, could provide a balanced approach to coaching that appeals to both players and fans alike.

As Stanford looks to rebuild its program, Pritchard's familiarity with the school's traditions and his success in developing young talent may be just what the Cardinal need to navigate the challenging waters of college football. With the upcoming home game against Notre Dame, Stanford fans will be eager to see how this transition unfolds and what it signals for the future of the program.