Things go south fast in the sports world—and right now, it’s Stanford football that’s spinning. For a while, the program had been flying under the radar. But not anymore. “After continued consideration, it is evident to me that our program needs a reset,” said Stanford GM Andrew Luck. And yeah, that “reset” is more like a full-on shakeup after the school fired head coach Troy Taylor on Tuesday. So, what happened?
Taylor’s record at Stanford was already shaky—just 6-18 over two seasons. But things really unraveled with a wave of allegations that came crashing down. Following investigations into his “inappropriate” actions—including findings of discriminatory behavior towards an NCAA compliance officer and multiple Level III violations between 2022 and 2024—Taylor’s time with the team came to an abrupt end. And just like that, Stanford is back in the spotlight, for all the wrong reasons.
Who steps in to lead Stanford football out of this mess?
With the transfer portal reopening on April 16 and spring practice around the corner, the timing couldn’t be worse. Players are uncertain, the program’s in flux, and a possible exodus through the portal is looming. On the field, Stanford’s been stuck in back-to-back 3–9 seasons. Off the field? It’s pure chaos. The search for a new leader might begin anytime soon. And Chat Sports’ Tom Downey has already identified 10 potential candidates to fill the void left by Taylor. Honestly, there are some interesting names here—some familiar, some wild cards.
1. David Shaw
Yep, the same David Shaw who ran Stanford football for over a decade. Downey put it best: “What if you just brought back David Shaw? Even as a temporary option, it’s a thought.” Shaw’s now the Lions’ passing game coordinator, and while a return might be unlikely, he’s been interviewing for other head coaching gigs. That suggests he’s still got the itch. His resume? 93 wins, eight bowl games, and four Pac-12 titles in 11 seasons. Not bad, right?
2. Pep Hamilton (Maryland OC)
Next up: Pep Hamilton. “Hamilton, of course, was at Stanford for many years as the OC and receivers coach. He was also the Colts’ OC with Luck.” Downey’s take? Hamilton has bounced around a lot—from the Browns to Michigan, the XFL, Chargers, and Texans—but he’s built a deep coaching portfolio. If Stanford is looking for someone who knows the program and has NFL experience, Hamilton checks those boxes.
3. Gary Patterson (Former TCU HC)
Then there’s Gary Patterson. Downey explains, “Patterson was the longtime TCU head coach… he has spent some time coaching out in California way back when as a defensive coach.” While his final years at TCU weren’t great, his overall run—181 wins in 22 seasons—is nothing short of elite. He knows how to build and sustain a program, and that could be just what Stanford needs.
4. Tavita Pritchard (Commanders QB Coach)
Another name with deep Stanford ties is Tavita Pritchard. He played there from 2006–2009 and spent over a decade on staff before heading to the NFL. Downey notes his role in developing Jayden Daniels into the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year. He hasn’t been a head coach, but his long history with the Cardinal makes him a strong candidate.
5. Greg Roman (Chargers OC)
Remember the Harbaugh era? Greg Roman was a big part of that. Downey says, “He was the Stanford associate head coach from 2009 to 2010… then was on the Harbaugh path.” Roman’s run includes OC stints with the 49ers, Bills, and Ravens—where Lamar Jackson snagged the MVP. With a proven system and experience, Roman could adapt well back in college.
6. Jeff Monken (Army HC)
Then there’s Jeff Monken, the guy who made Army football relevant again.
Downey gives him props: “He’s won at Army, which, make no mistake, is not an easy place to win.” Monken’s record (82-57) includes multiple double-digit win seasons and an AAC title in 2024. He knows how to get the best out of his players, even with limitations—which Stanford can relate to, academically and otherwise.
7. Troy Walters (Bengals WR Coach)
Troy Walters, a Stanford alum who played from 1996–1999, has built a solid coaching résumé, especially developing top-tier receivers. “If you want a longer-term option who’d probably take the job right now, Walters could be a fit,” says Downey. He hasn’t been a head coach, but his Stanford roots and NFL experience make him worth a look.
8. Troy Calhoun (Air Force HC)
Troy Calhoun has been leading Air Force since 2007, and his track record is impressive: 135-89, with five seasons of 10+ wins. Downey adds, “He’s got some West Coast-ish ties—it’s not quite the West Coast, but it’s the western half of the U.S., I guess.” As a former QB for the Falcons, Calhoun knows how to navigate tough academic standards while winning games.
9. Jason Garrett (Former Cowboys HC)
Yes, that Jason Garrett. “He was a contender for the Duke head coaching job, and I think this type of program actually does fit for him. You know, he’s a Princeton guy,” says Downey. While his stint as Giants’ OC wasn’t great, his NFL HC experience (85-67) and understanding of academic institutions could make him a unique fit.
10. Andy Thompson (Stanford Assistant HC)
Last but not least is Andy Thompson. He’s already on staff, serving as assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and inside linebackers coach. Before that, he was head coach at Sacramento State and DC under Taylor. He knows the players, knows the culture and could bring some stability in a turbulent moment.
With all that on the table, the big question remains: who’s the right choice to turn this thing around?
The post Who’s Next for Stanford Football? National Analyst Unveils 10 Potential Coaches After Troy Taylor’s Collapse appeared first on EssentiallySports.
