Photo courtesy: Stanford Athletics

Stanford University has hired former CFL receiver Brian Bratton as its new wide receivers coach.

The 43-year-old returns to the collegiate ranks after spending the past four seasons as an offensive quality coach with the Indianapolis Colts. He announced his departure from the Colts on February 10.

“Brian Bratton is an outstanding addition to our offensive staff who brings a genuine energy and a teacher’s approach to player development,” Stanford head coach Tavita Pritchard said in a statement.

“Having spent time on the college and NFL levels, he has a deep knowledge of technique, route-running and scheme that will help elevate our wide receivers in this offence. Brian will connect authentically with our players as someone who has played the receiver position himself and will hold them to an extremely high standard. I am excited to see him direct a receiver room that plays with confidence, precision and a competitive fire that jumps off the film.”

Bratton started his coaching career in 2013 as the wide receivers coach at North Greenville University in Tigerville, S.C. He held the role for two years before moving to Furman University, his alma mater, and serving as the wide receivers coach for two seasons. He added the role of special teams coordinator in 2017 and served as passing game coordinator for his final year with the Paladins in 2021.

The five-foot-ten, 185-pound target was a member of the Montreal Alouettes for six seasons (2007-12) following brief stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, NFL Europe, and the Arena Football League. He made 263 catches for 3,122 yards and 23 touchdowns as a member of the Als and won two Grey Cups (2009, 2010).

The native of Wheeling, W.V., won the CFLPA’s Tom Pate Memorial Award in his final CFL season for his contributions to the community and union.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Stanford football staff,” Bratton said as part of the announcement. “Working alongside Coach Pritchard and Andrew Luck is a special opportunity, as both represent everything Stanford stands for: elite football, elite people, and elite student-athlete development. I’m fired up to help build a wide receiver room that plays fast, smart, and physical, and to develop young men who excel both on the field and in the classroom. I can’t wait to get to work on The Farm.”

The Cardinal went 4-8 in 2026, finishing 12th in the ACC and missing a bowl game.