Tavita Pritchard. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Stanford hires Commanders assistant as new head coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 6:01 PM ET

The Stanford Cardinal are turning to the NFL as they hire a new head coach.

Stanford is hiring Tavita Pritchard as their new head coach, the school confirmed Friday. Pritchard has been the quarterbacks coach of the Washington Commanders since 2023.

A look at Stanford's new head coach, Tavita Pritchard

Pritchard was Stanford’s quarterback before Andrew Luck, who played a big part in the hire. He worked for the Cardinal in various roles after his college career, including a period as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022.

Notably, Pritchard has been Jayden Daniels’ quarterback coach since the Commanders drafted Daniels last year.

Our leader for the future of Stanford Football is here.
Welcome back to The Farm, @tavitap!

ℹ️ » https://t.co/sAcr5MLsSt pic.twitter.com/Oc3sRpphlb
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) November 28, 2025

Stanford went 4-7 this season with longtime NFL coach Frank Reich operating in an interim role. In Pritchard, the Cardinal have gone with someone relatively experienced, but also with an intimate knowledge of the program. The program has not had a winning season since 2018, so this may be an attempt to get back to its roots.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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