Andrew Luck has officially taken the reins of the Stanford football program as its general manager, marking a significant shift in the program's leadership at the end of last year. In a decisive move earlier this March, Luck made headlines by firing head coach Troy Taylor and appointing Frank Reich, who had previously coached Luck during their time with the Indianapolis Colts. With this new leadership in place, expectations were high for the 2023 season.
However, the season opener did not go as planned for Stanford, as they fell to Hawaii with a narrow score of 23-20 on Saturday. The game started with Stanford taking an early 10-0 lead, but they struggled to maintain momentum. As the game progressed, Hawaii took control, ultimately kicking the game-winning field goal as the clock expired. This unexpected loss against what was anticipated to be one of the weakest opponents on Stanford's schedule raises concerns about the program's ability to improve upon last year’s disappointing 3-9 record.
Following the defeat, Coach Frank Reich expressed his frustration and disappointment. “Obviously a tough loss,” Reich commented. “We came in off what I felt like was a very good week of practice, a very good six months of practice and hard work, so this hurts. I’m not gonna lie. This stings.” Despite the setback, Reich remains optimistic about the future of the program, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.
Reich, who currently holds the position of interim head coach and may not remain beyond 2025, acknowledged the work that lies ahead. He expressed gratitude towards Luck for the opportunity to help realize his vision for the Stanford football program. “Thankful to Andrew Luck for the opportunity to help him start to fulfill a vision that he has for this program,” Reich stated. “I’m excited for the experience and opportunity with these players and coaches, and to be part of the Stanford community.”
Reich also reassured fans and stakeholders that the coaching staff has dedicated significant effort over the past six months to prepare the team. “We’ve worked very hard in the six months we’ve been here to put on a good show for the Stanford community,” he added. “Disappointed in the start, but we’re not going to let this get us down.”
As Stanford looks to bounce back from this challenging start, all eyes will be on Andrew Luck and Frank Reich to steer the program in a positive direction. With a commitment to hard work and a clear vision for the future, the Stanford football program aims to rise above its rocky beginnings and reclaim its former glory on the field.
