Former Panthers head coach Frank Reich has found a new landing spot in 2025. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich has a new job … temporarily. Stanford has hired Reich to serve as its interim head coach for the 2025 college football season, the school announced on Monday morning.
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Reich, 63, will coach the team for just one season. After that, the school will launch a national search to find its next head coach.
“I could not be more excited for our coaches, staff and players to have Frank as our head football coach for the 2025 season,” Stanford football GM Andrew Luck said in a statement. “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.”
Stanford was in the market for a new head coach after firing Troy Taylor due to his alleged workplace behavior. Taylor reportedly bullied and belittled female athletic staffers. The university initially stood by Taylor, but reversed course a few days later, firing the head coach. In two seasons with Stanford, Taylor went 6-18.
Reich’s agreement is unique in that he’s not being hired as the team’s long-term replacement. Reich’s deal is only for the 2025 season. After that, he’ll once again be a free agent, and Stanford will look for a new head coach.
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While the contract is different, it could benefit both sides. Reich experienced success in the NFL with the Colts, leading the team to two playoff appearances in five seasons. One of those playoff seasons came with Luck — who was named Stanford’s general manager in November — under center.
For Reich, the deal gives him an opportunity to get back on the NFL radar. If Reich can lead Stanford to a strong record in his first season, he could once again emerge as a possible NFL head-coaching candidate. After a midseason firing by the Panthers in 2023, Reich failed to land a head-coaching role in 2024. It’s also possible Reich draws the eyes of another college program if Stanford performs well. Reich will not, however, interview for the full-time job at Stanford, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
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“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 the statement. “Andrew is an elite leader and competitor, and those traits, along with his genuine passion for this university, resonated in every way and inspired me to accept this role.”
Prior to joining Stanford, Reich spent six seasons as a coach in the NFL. After compiling a 40-33-1 record with the Colts, Reich was hired as the Panthers’ head coach ahead of the 2023 NFL season. His stint there did not end well. The Panthers went just 1-10 under Reich before he was fired.
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