STANFORD, Calif. — In a swift decision, Andrew Luck named Frank Reich as Stanford’s interim football coach on Monday, following the dismissal of Troy Taylor. Luck, recently appointed as the general manager of Stanford’s football program, opted for Reich just days after an announcement that Taylor had been twice investigated for alleged staff mistreatment.
Reich will officially be introduced to the Stanford community at a news conference on Tuesday, coinciding with the start of the team’s spring football preparations. Reich and Luck have a history, having collaborated during Luck’s time at the Indianapolis Colts in 2018. Reich boasts an NFL coaching career that spans six years with teams including Indianapolis and Carolina, earning playoff appearances twice during his career.
“I have witnessed firsthand the formidable leadership of Frank and have every confidence that he is the ideal choice to guide Stanford football this season,” Luck said in a statement. “Frank is not only an exemplary coach but also someone whose values are in perfect harmony with our goals for the program. He brings an esteemed level of expertise, which I believe will unlock the true potential of our athletes on the field while acting as a model for their overall development.”
Stanford’s football program is in the process of rebuilding following a string of underwhelming seasons, each concluding with a 3-9 record over the past four years, including Taylor’s tenure. Luck took over the managerial role in November, directly collaborating with school president Jon Levin. Currently, the university is also in search of a permanent athletic director. Alden Mitchell has recently stepped in on an interim basis, following Bernard Muir’s resignation.
Luck revealed that he had been consulting Reich since assuming his current role. Before stepping into coaching in 2006, Reich enjoyed a 13-year career in the NFL primarily as a backup quarterback. His coaching journey saw him contribute as an offensive coordinator when Philadelphia captured their first Super Bowl, leading to his hiring as head coach of the Colts. As a player, Reich’s remarkable comeback during the 1992 playoffs, overcoming a 35-3 deficit to win a wild-card game, is a testament to his tenacity. He also participated in two Super Bowls with the Colts in various coaching capacities.
“We’re reigniting a successful partnership to fulfill Andrew’s vision for Stanford football,” Reich expressed in a statement. He praised Luck as a formidable leader and competitor, highlighting his connection to Stanford’s mission and taking on the mentorship of student-athletes as a tremendous opportunity.
In his last four seasons coaching the Colts without Luck, Reich made a singular playoff appearance and was released during the 2022 season. Shortly after, Carolina hired him, but a 1-10 start led to his dismissal in 2023, concluding his NFL head coaching career with a 41-43-1 record.
ESPN recently reported that Taylor underwent two investigations since taking over before the 2023 season, following accusations of hostile conduct, particularly towards female staff members. These investigations indicated that Taylor’s behavior did not align with Stanford’s standards. Furthermore, he was found to have retaliated against a compliance staff member who identified minor NCAA infractions, a situation that resulted in a negative assessment by investigators of his attitude towards the university’s compliance office.