Stanford hires new football coach Tavita Pritchard

Pritchard takes over the Cardinal program after a successful stint as an assistant coach.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:24pm

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Tavita Pritchard has been hired as the new head football coach at Stanford University. Pritchard, a former Stanford quarterback, previously served as an assistant coach for the Cardinal and is now taking over the program after a successful stint on the coaching staff.

Why it matters

Stanford's football program has struggled in recent years, and the hiring of Pritchard represents an opportunity to revitalize the team and return the Cardinal to prominence in the Pac-12 conference. As a former player, Pritchard has an intimate understanding of the program and the university, which could help him connect with players and recruit top talent to the school.

The details

Pritchard spent several seasons as an assistant coach at Stanford, working with the team's quarterbacks and serving as the offensive coordinator. During his time as an assistant, the Cardinal had some of their most successful seasons in recent memory, including a Pac-12 championship and a Rose Bowl appearance. Pritchard's familiarity with the program and his proven track record as a coach made him an attractive candidate to take over the head coaching role.

  • Pritchard was hired as Stanford's new head football coach in March 2026.
  • He is set to begin his first spring practice session with the team in April 2026.

The players

Tavita Pritchard

The new head football coach at Stanford University, Pritchard is a former Stanford quarterback who has spent several seasons as an assistant coach with the Cardinal program.

Stanford University

A prestigious private research university located in Stanford, California, known for its strong academic and athletic programs, including its Division I football team, the Stanford Cardinal.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to be back at Stanford and to have the opportunity to lead this program. We have a rich tradition of success, and I'm excited to build on that and take the Cardinal to new heights.”

— Tavita Pritchard, Head Football Coach, Stanford University

What’s next

Pritchard will lead the Cardinal through their spring practice sessions in April and May, as he works to implement his coaching philosophy and evaluate the team's roster. The Cardinal will then begin their 2026 season in the fall, with Pritchard's first game as head coach scheduled for September 5th.

The takeaway

The hiring of Tavita Pritchard as Stanford's new head football coach represents a homecoming for the former Cardinal quarterback, who now has the opportunity to revitalize the program and return it to its former glory. Pritchard's familiarity with the university and his proven track record as an assistant coach make him an intriguing choice to lead the Cardinal back to prominence in the Pac-12 conference.