Tavita Pritchard has been appointed as the new Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football at Stanford University, a role he steps into following his tenure as quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders. The announcement was made by General Manager Andrew Luck on Friday, and Pritchard will officially begin his duties after the Commanders’ game against Denver on November 30. He is set to be introduced at a press conference on Tuesday.
Pritchard, a Stanford alum who graduated in 2009, marks the 37th head coach in the program’s history. “Winning in college football requires a leader who can build and motivate teams, recruit future stars, and connect with talent,” Luck stated. “Tavita is the right head coach at the right time to lead Stanford football into its next great era. He embodies humility and determination, and he is committed to the success of Stanford’s student-athletes.”
Expressing his excitement about returning to Stanford, Pritchard said, “Stanford is a place like no other, and my family and I are filled with gratitude to be coming back home. I have a clear vision for building a championship program based on hard work, brotherhood, and tenacity.” He looks forward to collaborating with Luck to maximize the potential of Stanford’s student-athletes.
During his time with the Commanders, Pritchard contributed significantly to the development of their offense, which included a notable run to the 2024 NFC Championship Game. He has been instrumental in the growth of several quarterbacks, including Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who had a historic rookie season, throwing for over 3,500 yards and earning the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Colleagues at the Commanders hold Pritchard in high regard. Head Coach Dan Quinn noted his ability to connect with players and contribute to team unity. Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury echoed this sentiment, praising Pritchard’s relationship-building skills and emphasizing that he creates a supportive environment for players.
Pritchard’s previous coaching roles at Stanford include stints as a graduate assistant and various positions that contributed to the team’s successful history, including appearances in three Rose Bowls. He is well acquainted with the institution’s legacy of producing NFL talent, following in the footsteps of renowned coaches like Bill Walsh and Jim Harbaugh.
He succeeds Frank Reich, who served as interim head coach and helped the team achieve its highest win total in five seasons. Reich will remain with the program as a senior advisor, underscoring the continuity of leadership during this transition.
In a statement, Reich expressed gratitude for his time at Stanford and shared his confidence in Pritchard’s ability to guide the program toward continued success. The appointment of Pritchard comes at a pivotal time as Stanford looks to revitalize its football program, buoyed by significant fundraising efforts, including a major gift from alumnus Bradford M. Freeman.
Pritchard’s broad experience and deep connection to Stanford, coupled with his vision for the future, foster a hopeful outlook for the program as it embarks on this new chapter. With the support of university leadership and the community, there is optimism that Pritchard will steer Stanford football back to a position of prominence in college athletics.