Longtime NFL Assistant Kris Richard Named Stanford DC

Richard brings championship pedigree and intensity to rebuild Cardinal defense

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stanford has hired longtime NFL assistant Kris Richard as its new defensive coordinator under new head coach Tavita Pritchard. Richard, who has over 13 years of NFL coaching experience, is known for developing elite defensive backs and building aggressive, attacking defenses. He takes over a Cardinal defense that struggled mightily in 2025, ranking last nationally in passing yards allowed and 95th in scoring defense.

Why it matters

Richard's hiring represents a significant addition to Stanford's coaching staff as they look to rebuild the program and return to being a defensive powerhouse in the Pac-12. His championship experience and reputation for developing talent should provide a major boost to the Cardinal's defensive unit.

The details

Richard, 46, has spent the past 13 seasons as an NFL assistant, including stints as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2015-17 and co-defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2022. He is known for his ability to develop elite defensive backs and build aggressive, attacking defenses. Pritchard cited Richard's "championship pedigree" and "intensity" as key factors in his hiring, believing he will help cultivate a "physical, run-and-hit" defensive identity for the Cardinal.

  • Richard was hired as Stanford's defensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Kris Richard

A 46-year-old former NFL cornerback who has over 13 years of coaching experience at the professional level, including serving as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2015-17 and co-defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2022.

Tavita Pritchard

The new head coach at Stanford, who cited Richard's "championship pedigree" and "intensity" as key reasons for hiring him as the team's defensive coordinator.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kris Richard is a proven winner and an exceptional defensive mind who has coached at the highest levels of this game. His ability to develop elite defensive backs in the NFL is well-documented, but what really excites me is his background as a coordinator who builds relentless, attacking defenses.”

— Tavita Pritchard, Stanford Head Coach

“My family, the defensive staff, and I are incredibly grateful to join the Stanford community. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms. We are all eager to get to work cultivating a championship culture and mindset.”

— Kris Richard

What’s next

Richard will begin assembling his defensive coaching staff and implementing his scheme as he looks to turn around a Stanford defense that struggled mightily in 2025.

The takeaway

The hiring of Kris Richard as Stanford's new defensive coordinator represents a significant addition to the Cardinal's coaching staff as they look to rebuild the program and return to being a defensive powerhouse in the Pac-12. Richard's championship pedigree, ability to develop talent, and reputation for building aggressive defenses should provide a major boost to a Stanford defense that was one of the worst in the country last season.