Stanford Stuns College Football: Coach Troy Taylor Fired Amid Explosive Investigations

STANFORD, Calif. – The Troy Taylor era at Stanford is over—unceremoniously and under a cloud of controversy. General manager Andrew Luck, in his first major move since taking over the program, fired Taylor on Tuesday, citing the need for a “reset” following damning reports of mistreatment and retaliation against staff members.

This bombshell decision comes just days after ESPN revealed that Taylor had been investigated twice for allegedly creating a hostile work environment, particularly targeting female staffers. The findings were brutal: Taylor’s leadership was deemed inconsistent with Stanford’s values, and his alleged retaliation against a compliance officer who flagged minor NCAA infractions painted an even darker picture. Investigators reportedly had never witnessed such animosity toward a university compliance office.

For Stanford, this is more than just a coaching change—it’s a reckoning. Once a powerhouse under Andrew Luck’s leadership as quarterback from 2009 to 2018, the Cardinal were a force in college football, making three Rose Bowls and two other major bowl games. But the magic is long gone. Since 2018, the program has spiraled, posting a dismal 20-46 record—the second-worst among Power Five schools, just ahead of Vanderbilt.

Taylor was supposed to be the answer after David Shaw stepped down in 2022, but his tenure was nothing short of disastrous. A 3-9 record in back-to-back seasons and a humiliating 1-10 home record against FBS teams sealed his fate. With Stanford’s athletic director Bernard Muir also on the way out, the once-mighty program now faces an identity crisis.

Now, all eyes are on Andrew Luck. The Stanford legend turned front-office executive must find a coach who can bring the Cardinal back to national relevance. Will Stanford go big and chase an elite name, or will it settle for another “project” coach? One thing is certain—the days of Stanford football being a quiet, respected program are over. Welcome to the drama.