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 will reportedly hire Reich to serve as its interim head coach for the 2025 college football season, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN.
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Reich, 63, will coach the team for just one season, per Thamel’s report. After that, the school will launch a national search to find its next head coach.
Stanford was in the market for a new head coach after firing Troy Taylor due to his 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 Andrew Luck — who was named Stanford football’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 or winds up signing a long-term contract at Stanford if things work out. It wouldn’t be the first time an interim head coach worked out a long-term deal to stick with a team.
Reich spent six seasons as a coach in the NFL. He compiled a .488 winning percentage with the Colts and Panthers.
