On Tuesday, Stanford announced that newly hired general manager Andrew Luck had fired head football coach Troy Taylor. After spending two seasons with the Cardinal, Taylor had been the subject of multiple allegations accusing him of creating a hostile work environment and bullying female staff members.
Taylor acknowledged the legitimacy of the allegations and issued a public apology. After a follow-up investigation in June 2024, the university stated there were no significant changes. However, Luck’s influence and decision means Stanford must search for a new head coach this spring. Here are five possible candidates.
Stanford Head Coach Candidates
Taylor’s dismissal is notable for several reasons.
For one, he was fired in March—unusual timing that leaves Stanford with little runway before spring practice. More notably, he was fired by the football program’s general manager. The athletic director typically handles coaching changes, but Luck appears determined to reset the entire culture.
Luck, who has been closely involved with the program, reportedly wants to build a more positive and unified environment after what transpired under Taylor. So, who might be next in line?
Troy Walters (Current Job: Cincinnati Bengals WR Coach)
Walters, a Stanford alum who played for the Cardinal from 1996 to 1999, brings familiarity with the program and extensive coaching experience at the collegiate level. Between 2009 and 2019, he coached at Texas A&M, NC State, Colorado, and Nebraska.
While he lacks head coaching experience, Walters has served as the Bengals’ wide receivers coach since 2021 and could bring a player-first culture shaped by his own time on The Farm.
TaVita Pritchard (Current Job: Washington Commanders QB Coach)
Pritchard’s recent work with the Washington Commanders—helping turn around the team and mentoring quarterback Jayden Daniels—has turned heads. A former Stanford quarterback from 2006 to 2009, he also spent more than a decade on the Cardinal staff (2010–22).
Despite not having head coaching experience, his deep ties to the program and ability to develop quarterbacks make him a compelling candidate
Ken Niumatalolo (Current Job: San Jose State HC)
Ken Niumatalolo was let go from his post as head coach of the Navy Midshipmen after a sluggish end to the 2022 season despite putting up a fantastic record of 109-83. However, Niumatalolo was out of a job for just a short period.
He quickly landed at San Jose State and posted a 7-6 record in his first year, showing his ability to adapt and maximize player potential. His leadership style and proven track record could make him a strong cultural fit at Stanford.
Jeff Monken (Current Job: Army Black Knights HC)
In previous years, Monken’s name has popped up in various searches for power conference teams. It truly is only a matter of time before he gets his due and to say he more than deserves it would be the understatement of the century.
Since taking over West Point in 2014, Monken has compiled an 82-57 record and led the Black Knights to three 10-win seasons. In 2024, Army won the American Athletic Conference title with a 12-2 record. Monken has long been considered for Power Four roles, and Stanford might be the perfect opportunity.
Jason Garrett (Former Dallas Cowboys HC)
The dark horse in this group is Garrett, who interviewed for the Stanford job before Taylor was hired. A former Princeton quarterback, Garrett understands the balance of elite academics and athletics, which could resonate with Stanford’s student-athletes.
Though some might view this as a long shot, it’s a possibility worth watching.
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