STANFORD, Calif. – Tavita Pritchard has been named Stanford’s Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football as announced Friday by General Manager Andrew Luck.
The 37th head coach in program history, Pritchard, a 2009 graduate of Stanford, currently serves as the quarterbacks coach of the Washington Commanders and will start in his role immediately following the Commanders’ Nov. 30 game against Denver. Pritchard will be introduced at a press conference on Tuesday.
“Winning in college football today requires a leader of men who can build and motivate teams, recruit future stars, and develop and connect with talent,” said Luck. “Tavita Pritchard is exactly the right head coach at the right time to help us build on the foundation of this season and lead Stanford football to its next great era. Coach Pritchard is a culture builder, a teacher of football of the highest caliber, and a humble yet determined servant leader who is committed to the success of Stanford’s student-athletes. I could not be more excited to welcome Tavita, Caroline and their family back to campus.”
“Stanford is a place like no other and my family and I are full of gratitude to be returning home in every sense of the word,” said Pritchard. “I have a clear vision of the hard work, brotherhood and tenacity it will take to build a championship Stanford football program. I cannot wait to partner with Andrew and begin working with the best student-athletes in the world to achieve excellence on and off the field.”
Opens in a new window What They're Saying
"Tavita Pritchard is exactly the right head coach at the right time to help us build on the foundation of this season and lead Stanford football to its next great era."
"Tavita is an exceptional leader and his appointment, coupled with the strong fundraising success we are experiencing, will help build the foundation for our success and leadership in football."
"Tavita will be a fantastic head coach, and I believe he will be especially effective at Stanford ... He is the perfect coach to build a winning program in today’s college football landscape."
"I’ve seen firsthand how much Tavita has grown since we were together at Stanford – as a coach, as a leader and as a person. He connects with players at every level and brings out the best in everyone around him. I have full confidence that he and Andrew will build a Stanford football program that every former player, every alum and the entire Stanford community will be incredibly proud of."
"Tavita’s connection with players is second to none, and his demeanor sets the tone. He lets you play free and genuinely wants players to be the best versions of themselves."
"If I had a son playing college football, I’d want him to play for Tavita Pritchard."
“I believe Tavita is the perfect builder to help continue Stanford’s mission of success. I am proud to continue to work closely with Stanford Football and am eager to support Tavita in every way.”
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Live from The Farm
Coach Pritchard Introductory Press Conference
Tuesday, Dec. 2 | Time TBD
Hear from Head Coach Tavita Pritchard in his first official day as the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football. Stream the press conference live on the Stanford Athletics YouTube channel. The event will not be open to the public.