Instead of Stanford slipping back to its woeful football past after the departure of Jim Harbaugh for the NFL, the Cardinal has thrived under the leadership of David Shaw. And, for that effort, one of the top coaches in the country has been rewarded.
In a press release, Stanford announced that the university has reached an agreement on a long-term contract agreement with Shaw. As Stanford is a private university, the terms of the revamped deal, including length or value, were not released.
“David has demonstrated great success as a leader within the Stanford community and as a mentor to scholar-athletes who wear the Cardinal uniform,” said athletic director Bernard Muir. “This agreement provides added stability and reassurance that David will be at the helm to secure our football program’s long-term sustained success.”
Shaw was hired Jan. 13, 2011, one week after Harbaugh left the Cardinal for the head coaching job with the San Francisco 49ers. In two seasons under Shaw, who had served as offensive coordinator the previous four seasons, the Cardinal has gone 22-4 after going 20-6 the previous two years.
This season, following the loss of star quarterback Andrew Luck to the NFL, Stanford claimed its first Pac-12 championship in 13 years and will face Big Ten champ Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. The Cardinal also played in a BCS bowl (the Fiesta) in Shaw’s first season at a school for which he played wide receiver back in the early 90s.
“My family and I would like to thank Athletic Director Bernard Muir for being very proactive throughout this process,” said Shaw. “I am looking forward to seeing our athletic department continue to grow under his leadership. ...
“I feel blessed to work every day with an outstanding staff and coach the best group of young men in America, and I am excited to lead the Stanford Football program for many years to come.”