Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich, remembered for his pivotal role in the team’s greatest playoff comeback, has landed a temporary head coaching position at Stanford University. Reich is best known for leading the Bills during their miraculous 1993 playoff victory over the Houston Oilers, where he threw four second-half touchdown passes to spark an improbable comeback from a 35-3 deficit. His performance, including key connections with Andre Reed and Don Beebe, set up a game-winning field goal by Steve Christie, cementing the game as the greatest comeback in playoff history.
After his playing days, Reich transitioned into coaching, starting in 2006 with the Indianapolis Colts. He moved through various roles, including stints with Arizona and San Diego, before becoming the Eagles’ offensive coordinator. His success with quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles led to his first head coaching opportunity with the Colts in 2018. Reich coached Indianapolis through two playoff appearances but was dismissed midway through the 2022 season. He then briefly took the helm at the Carolina Panthers, but after a disappointing season, he was fired before completing a full year with the team.
Now, Reich has agreed to a one-year head coaching position at Stanford, with both parties understanding that the arrangement is temporary. This unusual agreement gives Reich the chance to prove himself at the college level before potentially returning to the NFL. The situation is ideal for him, as it offers a fresh start in a new environment, away from the pressures of NFL ownership like those of Jim Irsay and David Tepper, both of whom are known for their impatience with coaches.
While his time at Stanford will only last one season, the opportunity presents a unique chance for Reich to showcase his coaching abilities to NFL teams looking for head coaches in the future. If he is able to lead the Cardinal to success in 2025, his performance could put him back on the radar of NFL organizations seeking a new leader. It’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario that could serve as a stepping stone for Reich’s return to the NFL as a head coach.
This temporary coaching opportunity marks an interesting new chapter for Reich, who is looking to reestablish himself in the football world. After a turbulent stint in the NFL, a successful tenure at Stanford could help him regain his standing as a head coach and open doors for future opportunities in the league.
