Stanford Football

Andrew Luck believes his alma mater, Stanford, has the "perfect" football coach to lead the program through an uncertain transition period in 2025.

The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback said Frank Reich is the "perfect steward" for the Cardinal in 2025 after his former NFL coach agreed to be the interim for the ACC program during the upcoming season, per Christopher Kamrani of The Athletic.

Luck is now the general manager for Stanford's football program and turned to Reich after former Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor was fired following a report about third-party investigations into his "inappropriate behavior toward female staffers," per Kamrani.

"It was time for a reset at the head coaching position," Luck said while also making it clear the plan is to hire a full-time head coach after the upcoming season. "And while perhaps the timing is nontraditional, it was the right time for this program and for us."

Kamrani noted that Luck is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to recruiting and fundraising during the name, image and likeness era of college football, which means Reich will only be responsible for coaching in his interim role.

Reich coached Luck in 2018 for the Colts before the four-time Pro Bowler decided to retire after just seven years in the NFL.

He remained as the head coach in Indianapolis until he was fired during the 2022 season and then coached the Carolina Panthers until he was fired after 11 games during the 2023 campaign.

Luck and Reich helped lead the Colts to the playoffs during the 2018 campaign and will look to team up to help turn things around for Stanford in 2025. The Cardinal have gone 3-9 in each of the last four seasons.

Whether Luck can help restore the program it was at when he was under center remains to be seen, but he believes he made the right call to bring Reich aboard for at least one year.

Stanford hired former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich to replace Troy Taylor, the team announced Monday.

Welcome to The Farm, Coach Reich!

🗞️ » https://t.co/QaUfWzLci5#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/hzwvN6cGFR

— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) March 31, 2025

Stanford Football general manager Andrew Luck released a statement on Reich's hiring:

“I could not be more excited for our coaches, staff and players to have Frank as our head football coach for the 2025 season. 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 of Stanford Football. Frank is a teacher, a winner and a coach of the highest caliber. Frank’s values align seamlessly with our vision for this program and I firmly believe in his ability to maximize the on-field potential of our student-athletes while serving as a role model in all aspects of their personal growth.”

ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported that Reich will only be the interim coach for the 2025 season, after which the school will embark on a full-scale search for a more permanent solution.

Frank Reich’s contract as Stanford interim coach will run only seven to eight months, and he won’t interview for the full-time job. A unique situation as he joins his old QB Andrew Luck to try to right the ship for the Cardinal. pic.twitter.com/E1Ixtceqc3

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 31, 2025

“I am thrilled to be working with Andrew again to help take an important step in establishing his vision for the Stanford Football program,” said Reich. “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. The unique responsibility to mentor the best student-athletes in the world, to be the absolute best in what they aspire to do, is an opportunity I will fully embrace.”

Thamel also reported that "Stanford is promoting tight ends coach Nate Byham to offensive coordinator, as a corresponding move with the Frank Reich promotion. Byham is also set to be the play caller."

Citing the need for a "reset," Luck announced on March 25 that the program was moving on from Taylor. The decision came after ESPN's Xuan Thai reported on March 19 that the school had twice investigated the coach for what was described as "hostile and aggressive behavior."

Waiting until late March to fire Taylor left the Cardinal in a tough spot. They had to scramble to find a replacement with the spring portal opening on April 16 and quickly closing on the 25th. Not surprisingly, some players on the roster are evaluating their options after the coaching change.

It's easy to see the logic in appointing Reich. He doesn't have any coaching experience at the college level, but he's a recognizable name within the profession.

The adjustment to college ball should be a little easier, too, since his one-year term means he won't be focusing on recruiting too much. His duties will be largely focused on guiding Stanford to a winning record.

The downside is that the Cardinal will inevitably struggle to build a strong 2026 class when prospective recruits have no idea who will be coaching the team long term.

In addition to the fact he hasn't worked in college, the end of Reich's tenure in Indianapolis and Carolina left something to be desired. He was fired midseason after 3-5-1 and 1-10 starts.

As a steady hand guiding the ship, Reich is far from a sure thing, and finishing with a bad record will only make it tougher for Stanford to attract a strong coaching candidate next offseason.

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 210

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POSITIVES

— Is a natural separator, runs well-paced routes with good short area quickness.

— Savvy operator with the football in flight, flashes late hands and body control.

— Functional play strength and hand usage against physical/handsy defensive backs.

— Efficient playmaker with the football in his hands; good run-after-catch threat.

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NEGATIVES

— Does not possess elite athleticism or explosiveness.

— Charted for 12 drops since 2023, hand catching mechanics needs improving.

— Good athleticism but straight-line speed is not an immediate threat to press corners.

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NOTES

— 3-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Second Team All-ACC; Jon Cornish Trophy Finalist

— 2023: All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention; Jon Cornish Trophy Winner

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OVERALL

Elic Ayomanor epitomizes natural separation.

He is a savvy and detailed route-runner who defeats one-on-one coverages. Ayomanor plays at his own pace and speed but alters his route tempos to keep defensive backs honest and on their toes.

Against man coverage, he runs nuanced routes, attacking the defender's leverage with his stem and squaring up the defender before separating at the top of his routes. Ayomanor puts defenders in a bind with his footwork and suddenness at the breakpoint. He is a smooth, quick, and efficient mover but plays with good strength as a route runner to clear handsy defenders.

Due to his high football IQ, he excels against zone coverage. He finds the soft spots within the coverage and works around the defensive spot droppers. His strength is useful in the middle of the field. He is fearless and tough when making plays in high-traffic areas.

Ayomanor is a reliable ball tracker down the field. He is savvy, using late eyes to find the ball and hands to bring the pass in. He rarely gives the defender any early indications the ball is on its way. Ayomanor's body control is outstanding—he can contort his frame in the air to make acrobatic grabs. He uses his entire frame in the red zone to make difficult sideline catches look routine.

Ayomanor is a good but not a great athlete. His explosiveness and burst early in reps limit winning foot races down the sideline. Winning at the line of scrimmage with quickness and nuance is key for him to beat and stack defenders vertically. His speed lands in the buildup category. Therefore, big, explosive vertical passing plays are not his calling card at the next level against NFL athletes. Concentration drops and hand/catch mechanics need improving. Ayomanor's hands can be too wide as the ball approaches leading to unwanted drops.

In all, Elic Ayomanor projects as a good number two Z-receiver for an NFL offense. He is alignment-versatile and makes plays from the slot with a two-way release. Adding his play strength, he will give smaller nickel defenders fits in man coverage by boxing them out for in-breaking passes. Ayomanor is a talented and reliable pass catcher who can start for multiple years and contracts.

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GRADE: 7.6 (Potential Impact Player — Second Round)

OVERALL RANK: 43

POSITION RANK: WR6

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Chris Godwin

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Looking for a spark to get the team back on track, Stanford is bringing back school legend Andrew Luck to work as general manager of the football program.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Luck accepted the position that will put him in charge of the "entire program" and is considered a "distinct evolution" from the traditional role of a college general manager.

In a phone interview with Thamel, Luck confirmed his new job and the role "involves everything Stanford football touches, football-wise and business-wise." He will also help with fundraising, securing sponsorships, increasing attendance and alumni relations.

"I'm excited," Luck told Thamel "I think Stanford is taking an assertive and innovative step. We're undoubtedly the best athletic department in college sports. We have to re-prove it in football, and we're excited to be part of that challenge."

Given the all-encompassing nature of college sports nowadays, it's commonplace for programs to have a general manager who oversees the day-to-day operations to ensure they aren't falling behind.

The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr. noted the job really came into being around 2009 with Nick Saban at Alabama. The program began hiring student workers for each of the Crimson Tide's position coaches.

Given the success Saban was having every year, more and more programs across the country started expanding their personnel departments.

Matt Dudek is credited with being the first person who received the official title of general manager from a college program at the University of Arizona in 2016.

The position of college general manager gained increased attention earlier this year when Adrian Wojnarowski retired from his post as ESPN's lead NBA insider to accept the GM role at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure.

Luck, who played three seasons for the Cardinal from 2009 to '11, is one of the most accomplished football players in program history. He is the school's all-time leader in touchdown passes (82), completion percentage (67.0) and ranks second in passing yards (9,430).

Stanford football just wrapped up its first season as a member of the ACC. The Cardinal finished 3-9 for the fourth consecutive year. The program has just one winning season since 2019 and hasn't played in a bowl game since winning the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31, 2018.

A new conference means new helmets for Stanford football players.

Stanford unveiled a new red helmet ahead of the program's Friday ACC debut at Syracuse.

🔴🆚🟠#GoStanford https://t.co/IE6yGz558K pic.twitter.com/BE4LeW5a49

— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) September 19, 2024

The helmets are the first in Stanford program history to display a block "S" with a tree on a red background.

The new lids also feature the ACC logo in honor of the program becoming a full-time member of the conference on Aug. 2.

This marks the second time in program history the Cardinal have debuted a red helmet.

Stanford first donned red helmets featuring the school's full name last season for a Nov. 25 home game against Notre Dame.

Stanford will wear a Cardinal red helmet on Saturday for the first time in program history 🔴🌲#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/cYDOQed1jd

— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) November 22, 2023

Stanford has so far opened the season 1-1 with a loss to Big 12 opponent TCU and a win over non-major Cal Poly.

The Cardinal are now set to begin ACC play with two road games, starting with Friday's tilt at Syracuse and followed by a contest at No. 21 Clemson next Saturday.

With Stanford and Cal's closest ACC opponent being located halfway across the country in Dallas, this is set to be a challenging season for the Cardinal. At least the players will get to bring new helmets along on the travel-heavy campaign.

The Pac-12 could "turn its attention to former members Cal and Stanford" after the conference announced the addition of four Mountain West teams on Thursday, Pete Nakos reported for On3.

"Multiple sources have told On3 it's a logical move for Cal and Stanford to join the Pac-12 if a window opens to leave the ACC," Nakos wrote.

Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports reported that Cal and Stanford could need to file lawsuits to break the ACC's grant of rights, which runs through summer 2036.

Re speculation about two schools the Pac-12 could go after next:

Source confirms to @FOS that all ACC schools have signed onto its Grant of Rights. That includes Stanford and Cal. So if they want to depart, they're going to have to make like FSU and Clemson and go to court.

— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) September 12, 2024

Cal and Stanford announced their exit for the ACC last September amid a wave of departures that saw the Pac-12 whittled down to just Washington State and Oregon State.

With Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Fresno State set to join the conference before the 2026 season, the Pac-12 is two programs shy of the eight-school FBS minimum.

As Nakos pointed out, rejoining the Pac-12 would make sense for Cal and Stanford given their geographical proximity to teams in the Mountain and Pacific time zones.

Cal football's debut ACC season features road trips to play schools like Florida State, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest on the opposite side of the country.

Stanford, meanwhile, is set for several cross-country road trips of its own with away games at Syracuse, Clemson, Notre Dame and North Carolina State.

The Raleigh News & Observer's Shelby Swanson reported last month that athletes from 11 ACC schools and 10 sports "commonly expressed concerns about missing classes due to excessive travel" during the upcoming season.

The Pac-12's inability to secure a lucrative media agreement was part of the reason Cal and Stanford joined the exodus from membership last year.

Clemson and Florida State have both sued the ACC for the financial penalties the conference has pledged to charge schools should they exit the conference.

According to Florida State, exiting the ACC before the grant of rights expires in 2036 would cost the school $572 million, per Ralph D. Russo of the Associated Press.

Neither Florida State nor Clemson formally stated they wanted to leave the conference by Aug. 15, which was the ACC's deadline for notice of departure the following year.

The lawsuits are currently ongoing in Florida and North Carolina. If considering a move back to the Pac-12, Cal and Stanford could be watching to see how feasible leaving the ACC would be.

The California schools aren't the only programs that have been tied to a potential move to the Pac-12. Nakos additionally named Tulane and Memphis, among others, as possible expansion targets for the rebuilding conference.

The Las Vegas Raiders may look toward ex-Stanford head coach David Shaw to fill their coaching vacancy.

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal relayed the news.

Hearing a name to keep an eye on when @Raiders go through HC search process: Former Stanford HC (and former Raiders assistant coach) David Shaw.

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) November 28, 2023

Shaw, 51, went 96-54 for the Cardinal from 2011-2022, winning the Pac-12 three times. Stanford went to the Rose Bowl three times under Shaw and won it twice. The Cardinal also registered three top-seven finishes in the Associated Press poll, including third in 2015.

After a pair of 3-9 seasons in 2021 and 2022, Shaw resigned as Stanford's head coach.

Shaw has a wealth of experience in the collegiate and NFL coaching ranks beginning with two seasons as a Western Washington assistant in 1995 and 1996.

He then coached in the NFL from 1997-2005 for the Philadelphia Eagles, Raiders and Baltimore Ravens, notably serving as both the quarterbacks and wide receivers coach from 2002-2004 in his last NFL stop.

Shaw then coached under Jim Harbaugh in 2006 at San Diego before moving on with him to Stanford in 2007. He was Stanford's offensive coordinator from 2007-2010 and got the promotion to head coach when Harbaugh left for the San Francisco 49ers.

There's no doubting Shaw's tremendous resume, and he's been talked about as a potential NFL head coaching candidate before. In fact, he got an interview with the Denver Broncos before they eventually hired Sean Payton, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Former Stanford HC David Shaw interviewed today with the Denver Broncos about their head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. Shaw spent nine years in the NFL, from 1997-2005, with the Eagles, Raiders and Ravens, and is interested in returning to the pro game.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2023

The Raiders are looking for a new head coach after firing Josh McDaniels. Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce has served as the interim head coach and gone 2-2 in McDaniels' place.

It appears that Stanford is willing to do whatever it takes to remain in a prominent conference.

Ralph D. Russo of the Associated Press reported the school informed the remaining members of the Pac-12 that it told the ACC that the university was willing to make significant sacrifices in order to move to the conference.

"Leaders from Stanford, California, Oregon State and Washington State spoke Thursday, and Stanford told its colleagues it had informed the ACC that it would be open to joining the conference at greatly reduced or even no media rights payout for several years," Russo wrote.

This comes in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Pac-12 that has already seen USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington depart for the Big Ten starting in 2024, with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado moving to the Big 12 in 2024. Currently, Stanford, Cal, Oregon State and Washington State are the only remaining members of the conference for 2024.

Geographically, a move to the ACC makes little sense. The entirety of the conference is located in the Eastern time zone, and the westernmost team in the conference is Notre Dame, which is still more than 2,200 miles from Stanford. Also of note, Notre Dame is not a member of the conference for football. The westernmost football program in the ACC is Louisville, which is located more than 2,000 miles from Stanford.

Despite this, a power conference on the West Coast appears to be off the table, as does further Big 12 expansion. This leaves the Big Ten, SEC and ACC as remaining power conferences, and the Big Ten has already expanded to 18 teams.

The ACC may not be a great fit geographically, but academically, it is a slam dunk. The conference is ranked No. 3 in the NCAA in terms of academics and No. 1 among conferences that sponsor FBS football. Stanford, which is ranked as the No. 3 university, according to U.S. News & World Report, would add to that prestige and be alongside peers with similar academic goals.

While the initial vote to admit Stanford and Cal to join was one vote short of passing earlier in August, it appears that Stanford is willing to make concessions in order to change that vote. Russo did not report that Cal is involved in this concession, and it is not clear if Stanford's sacrifices would be enough to flip the vote.

Conference realignment is reportedly becoming more political.

Sort of.

Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated reported former President George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are among those lobbying the ACC to make some notable additions. Rice has lobbied on behalf of Stanford, while Bush has done the same for SMU.

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports noted Rice is a Stanford professor, while Bush's wife, Laura, attended SMU.

Bush's presidential library is also located on SMU's campus.

Conference realignment has dominated college football headlines of late with Texas and Oklahoma set to join the SEC after the upcoming season; USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington heading to the Big Ten on the same timeline; and Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah going to the Big 12.

The Pac-12 will essentially be gone after the 2023 campaign, leaving Stanford and Cal among the programs searching for a new home.

The ACC could be a landing spot, especially if Florida State and Clemson will eventually be on the way out.

Forde reported Florida State may "serve formal notice of a 2025 move in a matter of days or weeks," which could be notable to Clemson since a source told the reporter the two schools are "very connected."

Yet even amid an uncertain future with the league, Florida State and Clemson have joined North Carolina and North Carolina State as the four schools opposed to adding Stanford and Cal, per Forde.

Bush and Rice aren't the only ones lobbying, as some with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have pushed for the addition of Stanford and Cal in discussions with North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham.

Both schools regularly produce a number of Olympians, and the fear is a diminished athletic department for either would hurt the United States Olympic movement in the future.