Stanford's new defensive coordinator Kris Richard brings fresh hope for the Cardinal defenders, promising a high-energy scheme that emphasizes speed and aggression.
Three head coaches and three defensive coordinators in three seasons means Stanford won't be taking a lot of continuity into its 2026 opener against visiting Hawaii on August 29.
The Cardinal players are taking a change-can-be-good approach as they prepare for their first game under head coach Tavita Pritchard and defensive coordinator Kris Richard.
Redshirt senior linebacker Matt Rose said, "Obviously, it's not always ideal, learning a new scheme every single year, but I try to look at the positives out of it. I've learned so much about football."
Junior cornerback Brandon Nicholson said, "I think every year – no matter what the case is – our group comes in determined. And we come in receptive to whoever is our defensive coordinator and we listen."
Nicholson said he and his teammates are particularly enthused about listening to Richard, who they describe as "captivating" and "a bad dude, man."
A longtime NFL assistant coach whose most recent job was coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive backs in 2024, Richard has brought a new energy to the team.
"You do address it because you want everybody to know that they're being seen," Richard said, acknowledging the team's recent changes. "But once it's addressed, then we move on."
Richard's scheme will feature four down linemen as the base alignment, a departure from the three down linemen the team used in its base defense the previous few years.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Zach Rowell said, "It just lets us play and free fast, which ideally for big boys up front, that's what we want."
The Stanford defense hopes to make an even more significant jump this season under Richard, who has a track record of success in the NFL.
"It's obvious he knows what he's talking about," Nicholson said. "He believes what he's talking about. We are basically a vessel for him."
The team is optimistic about its chances under Richard, who has a reputation for getting the most out of his players.
As the team prepares for its first game under Richard, fans are eagerly awaiting the results.
Redshirt junior defensive lineman Braden Marceau-Olayinka is one player who is expected to make a big impact this season, according to Richard and his teammates.
Source: Yahoo Sports
