Stanford fired Troy Taylor in March following reports and investigations that cited bullying and inappropriate workplace behavior.
General manager Andrew Luck called for a program “reset.” He wants a coach who can restore culture and competitive stability.
Taylor finished 3-9 in each of his two seasons leading the Cardinal. His buyout after being fired was reportedly paid in full. The total came to approximately $6 million.
Former NFL player and coach Frank Reich took over as interim. He has led Stanford to a 4-7 record through Week 13 of the college football season.
While the school is actively interviewing candidates, On3’s Pete Nakos has listed San Diego State’s Sean Lewis among names in the mix.
Lewis is emerging as a serious contender for the Cardinal job.
Lewis became San Diego State’s head coach in 2024 after five seasons at Kent State.
At Kent State, he compiled a 24-31 record. He earned a 2019 bowl victory over Utah State.
Now in his second season with the Aztecs, he has completely turned the program around. San Diego State went from 3-9 in its first year to 9-2 this season.
Under Lewis, San Diego State is holding opponents to just 262.9 total yards per game.
That’s the sixth-fewest in college football. They’re allowing 11.6 points per game, the second-fewest nationally.
Offensively, the team is averaging 340.5 yards and 24.5 points per game. Their +10.9-point differential ranks in the top 25 nationally.
Junior running back Lucky Sutton has carried the offense. He’s rushed for 1,127 yards (ninth in the country) and nine touchdowns. He’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry on 217 attempts.
Lewis signed a five-year contract with the Aztecs. His annual salary started at $1.75 million in 2024. His total buyout is valued at $4.85 million.
Lewis’s track record of building on both sides of the field makes him attractive. His experience operating with limited resources could be valuable for Stanford.
The Cardinal needs someone who can maximize efficiency. Lewis has proven he can do more with less. His defensive schemes have transformed San Diego State into a unit that suffocates opponents.
Lewis’s Midwestern recruiting ties could help Stanford. His ability to develop transfers is another asset. In the current transfer-portal era, that skill is essential.
Stanford faces unique challenges as a high-academic institution. Finding athletes who can compete both in the classroom and on the field is difficult.
Lewis has shown he can identify and develop overlooked talent.
The Cardinal’s recent struggles have hurt recruiting. They need a coach who can sell the Stanford brand effectively. Lewis has proven to be an excellent communicator and program builder.
San Diego State’s turnaround didn’t happen overnight. Lewis installed a culture of toughness and accountability. Players bought into his system completely.
The Aztecs’ defense has been particularly impressive. They’ve held elite offenses in check throughout the season. Lewis’s defensive coordinator has implemented schemes that confuse opposing quarterbacks.
Stanford fans want to see similar results at their program. The Cardinal once competed for Pac-12 championships regularly.
Those days feel distant now after consecutive 3-9 seasons.
Lewis would bring energy and fresh ideas to Stanford. His offensive creativity could unlock potential in Cardinal players. He’s shown willingness to adapt schemes to fit personnel.
The $4.85 million buyout might not deter Stanford. The school has deep pockets and desperately needs to make the right hire.
Getting Lewis would require a significant financial commitment.
Other candidates are likely in the mix for Stanford. The school hasn’t publicly revealed its full list. But Lewis’s name keeps coming up in coaching circles.
San Diego State will fight to keep Lewis. They know what they have in him. Losing him after one successful season would be devastating.
The timing of Stanford’s search is crucial. Many top programs are looking for coaches simultaneously. The Cardinal must act decisively to land their preferred candidate.
Lewis’s decision will likely come down to resources and vision. Stanford can offer more money and prestige. But he has something special building at San Diego State.
For Stanford, hiring Lewis would signal a commitment to sustainable success. He’s not a quick fix but a long-term builder. That’s exactly what the Cardinal program needs right now.
