Andrew Luck returning to Stanford football as general manager

Andrew Luck, the most significant recruit during the Jim Harbaugh era at Stanford, a quarterback who led the Cardinal from also-rans to national prominence, is returning The Farm as the football team’s general manager.

Luck will oversee “all aspects” of the program starting immediately, the school announced in a news release Saturday morning.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the news.

“I think Stanford is taking an assertive and innovative step,” Luck, who starred for the Cardinal from 2009-2011 after redshirting in 2008, told ESPN. “We’re undoubtedly the best athletic department in college sports. We have to re-prove it in football, and we’re excited to be part of that challenge.”

According to ESPN, Luck’s position will be a redefined role from the traditional college general manager.

Instead of primarily being a subordinate to the head coach, Luck, 35, will preside over the coaching staff, player personnel staff and recruiting, as well as the business side of the program.

It is no secret that Stanford has struggled to keep pace during the Name, Image and Likeness era of college sports.

The announcement of Luck’s return comes one day after Stanford lost to San Jose State to complete its fourth consecutive 3-9 season, the past two under coach Troy Taylor.

“I am a product of this University, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said in Stanford’s news release. “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.”

Stanford’s release noted that Luck will work with Taylor on recruiting and roster management and with athletics and university leadership on everything from fundraising and alumni relations to student-athlete support and stadium experience.

Luck, who has remained close to his alma mater since leaving for the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, told ESPN that the idea of rejoining Stanford football first surfaced when he spoke to school president Jonathan Levin about a month ago.

According to Luck, Levin suggested, “Why don’t you run football, Andrew?”

“Andrew Luck exemplifies the Stanford student-athlete,” Levin said in a statement Saturday. “I’m excited he’s returning to campus to help lead our football program and ensure that our student-athletes achieve excellence in the changing collegiate athletics environment.”

Luck most recently served as quarterbacks coach at Palo Alto High School, which is across the street from Stanford Stadium, and began working on his Master’s degree at Stanford in 2022.

This month, Luck was among the Stanford dignitaries who attended the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at SAP Center as the class included the late real estate developer and philanthropist John Arrillaga, a mega-donor for Cardinal athletics.

“Besides my folks and the friends and extended family I grew up with, Stanford, this is home for my wife and I,” Luck told ESPN. “I’m profoundly influenced by Jim Harbaugh, David Shaw, Pep Hamilton and all the coaches and professors that I’ve ever had.”

Luck was the runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting in 2010 and 2011.

“Andrew’s credentials as a student-athlete speak for themselves, and in addition to his legacy of excellence, he also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community, and an unparalleled passion for Stanford Football,” Stanford athletic director Bernard Muir said in a statement. “I could not think of a person better qualified to guide our football program through a continuously evolving landscape, and I am thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way of operating our program and competing in an evolving college football landscape.”