1971 Stanford Indians football team

The 1971 Stanford Indians football team represented Stanford University during the 1971 college football season.

Season
The previous season, the Indians had won the Pac-8 conference and the 1971 Rose Bowl behind Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jim Plunkett. With the core of the "Thunderchickens" defense, led by Jeff Siemon and Pete Lazetich, returning, and under the steady leadership of former backup quarterback Don Bunce, the Indians defended the conference title and went on to upset #4 Michigan in the 1972 Rose Bowl.

Following the season, Stanford head coach John Ralston resigned to become head coach of the NFL Denver Broncos. Stanford hired defensive assistant coach Jack Christiansen to replace Ralston.