Stanford’s Bold Move: Former NFL Defensive Coordinator Takes the Helm—What It Means for the Team’s Future

Is Stanford football finally hitting the reset button in a big way this offseason? With a dismal 4-8 record last year, the Cardinal are not just tinkering around the edges—they’re bringing in heavy hitters to the coaching staff, including former NFL defensive coordinator Kris Richard. This isn’t your usual college coaching shuffle; Richard’s experience includes NFL stints with the Seahawks, Cowboys, and Jaguars, plus a Super Bowl ring—a pedigree that screams serious intentions. And it doesn’t stop there. Cory Robinson, fresh from Boston College, joins as defensive backs coach, while Terry Heffernan steps in as offensive coordinator alongside Tavita Pritchard, who’s just getting his feet wet as head coach. Sure, they’ve also been savvy in the transfer portal, grabbing talent like Michigan’s Davis Warren and Yale’s Nico Brown. So, the real question is: can these bold moves transform Stanford from ACC also-rans to contenders? Time will tell, but the roadmap is definitely intriguing. LEARN MORE.

During this offseason, Stanford football is adding new faces to their coaching staff. On Friday, they decided to hire former NFL defensive coordinator Kris Richard as their defensive coordinator, per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

Richard is a former player and coach. As a player, he was with the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and Oakland Raiders. Richard played in the NFL from 2002 to 2007.

He had coaching stints at his alma mater, USC, as well as with the Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Twice, he worked under Pete Carroll at USC and with the Seahawks.

His latest job was being the defensive backs coach with the Jaguars. In 2014, Richard was the defensive backs coach with the Seahawks when they won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos.

Meanwhile, Stanford also made another crucial addition with Cory Robinson, formerly of Boston College, as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Robinson had coaching stints at the collegiate and professional level, including positions with Maryland, Tennessee, Temple, and the Saints.

Plus, this comes on the heels of Stanford hiring former Virginia coach Terry Heffernan as the new offensive coordinator alongside head coach Tavita Pritchard, who was hired in November 2025.

This past year, Stanford finished 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the ACC. Lately, Stanford has been using the transfer portal to its advantage. In January, they snatched up former Michigan QB Davis Warren, who has two years of eligibility remaining.

Additionally, former Yale wide receiver Nico Brown officially committed to Stanford.

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