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Andrew Luck is returning to Stanford to become the football program’s new general manager, the school announced on Saturday.
Luck is accepting a newly created role at Stanford that will see him oversee the entire football program. Luck’s duties will include managing the coaching staff, the player personnel staff, recruiting, roster management, and the student-athlete experience. He’ll also be involved with fundraising, sponsorship deals, alumni relations, and other things typically under the purview of an NFL GM.
When Luck appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay Saturday morning to discuss the role, he promised Stanford “will be competitive” in recruiting and retaining players going forward.
“I can’t wait to work with Coach (Troy) Taylor and the staff and the guys on the team. He’s got the team pointed in the right direction. We’ve been close for a couple years. I had the chance to be on the hiring committee for him. And, as everybody knows, in this game it takes a team to go out and win,” Luck said on Saturday.
“I imagine this being very hands-on. We do have a vision. We absolutely have a vision. I think we are under no illusion about the landscape of college sports as well. I believe deeply in the unique value proposition of Stanford and Stanford Athletics.”
The role is a unique one, but might not be such for much longer. As major college athletic departments find their footing in a post-House settlement landscape, Luck’s role could become an important one.
A 34-31 loss to San Jose State on Friday night dropped Stanford to 3-9 for the fourth consecutive season. Coach Troy Taylor took over for David Shaw following the 2022 year but has opened his Stanford tenure with just 6 wins in his first 24 games.
It’s a far cry from the program Luck knew as a player. He was the Pac-12’s Offensive Player of the Year in both 2010 and 2011 at Stanford before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Luck also finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in both 2010 and 2011 as he led Stanford to a 23-3 record.
“I am a product of this University, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said in a statement from the school announcing the move. “I believe deeply in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction, and I cannot wait to work with him, the staff, and the best, brightest, and toughest football players in the world.”
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
