In March of 2019, Andrew Luck found himself battling jet lag after tying the knot with Nicole in an intimate ceremony in Prague. Although they exchanged vows in the Czech Republic, the paperwork back home in Indiana was still pending. So, in a classic display of quick thinking, Luck reached for his phone and dialed a familiar number—his head coach. Frank Reich, a man of many talents, happened to be an ordained minister. Without skipping a beat, Reich obliged and officiated a formal ceremony at City Hall in Indianapolis that April.
Fast forward nearly six years, and once again, Luck found himself in a predicament, one where he instinctively knew who to call—Frank Reich. History has shown that reaching out to Reich tends to work in Luck’s favor.
Just last week, Stanford announced that the 63-year-old Reich would step in as interim head coach for the Cardinal’s 2025 football season. In a swift decision, Luck, now overseeing operations as the general manager at his beloved alma mater, let go of former head coach Troy Taylor following a detailed ESPN investigation into allegations of misconduct towards female staffers.
Rather than rushing to appoint a permanent replacement in the midst of football season chaos, Luck chose Reich to act as Stanford’s temporary anchor. It’s been a little over a year since Reich last donned the coaching hat, after a rocky stint with the Carolina Panthers that ended in a 1-10 record in 2023.
Frank’s reputation precedes him; those who’ve played under him say he’s equipped to handle just about any curveball. Torrey Smith, a wide receiver with two Super Bowl rings, echoes this sentiment.
“If anyone’s cut out for this, it’s Frank,” Smith confidently stated. Having played under Reich when he was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles, Smith attests to Reich’s ability to connect with players, especially those who’ve been through tough times. Despite Stanford’s recent struggles under Taylor, logging a 6-18 record, Reich’s steady demeanor could be just what the Cardinal needs.
“His calm under pressure is unmatched,” Smith continued. “He doesn’t flinch, no matter how chaotic things get. He keeps his focus squarely on what matters: coaching and guiding those young men.”
Stanford football even shared their excitement with a spirited tweet, setting the tone for the next chapter.
Luck and Reich share a common vision: solidifying a stable and sustainable culture within the Cardinal’s ranks. With Stanford ranking among the bottom in both offense and defense in recent years, there’s a clear path to improvement. Reich’s task is straightforward—forge a cohesive unit ready to challenge their adversaries.
“We’re building something with lasting impact,” Luck asserted. “I’ve got complete faith in this endeavor.”
To sweeten the deal, Luck assured Reich he’d manage the administrative whirlwind off the field, dealing with transfers, NIL talks, and revenue strategies. This allows Reich to focus solely on fostering bonds with the players and coaching staff.
Jeff Saturday, an ESPN analyst and former center for the Colts, reminisces about his time with Reich. Together, they refined plays to maximize Peyton Manning’s on-field performance during Reich’s initial coaching stretch with the Colts.
“Frank simplifies the game beautifully,” Saturday enthused. “He emphasizes speed, strength, and intelligence. And at a prestigious institution like Stanford, intellect is a given. Less is often more with Frank—he’ll lay a solid groundwork without overwhelming anyone.”
Saturday isn’t a stranger to the interim coach role. He himself was thrust into the position when Colts owner Jim Irsay appointed him after Reich’s exit in 2022.
“Frank doesn’t need a pep talk from me,” laughed Saturday. “He’ll knock it out of the park. Stanford has a gem in Reich—they’re in for a pleasant surprise.”
Austin Collie, another Colts alumnus, praised Reich’s approachable nature, emphasizing how it can help heal a shaken locker room.
“Frank has this knack for making players feel seen and valued,” Collie shared. “While he validates their strengths, he also holds everyone to high standards.”
Reich recently presided over his first spring practice with the Cardinal. When asked about his coaching style, he emphasized a balance of assertive and strategic play calling.
“Measured aggressiveness,” he coined.
In true fashion, Reich drew from Ecclesiastes, quoting, “A man of wisdom avoids all extremes,” encapsulating the doctrine he plans to instill at Stanford.
Bob Donnan / USA Today
