Following the first investigation, in 2023, Taylor was warned that he could be fired if the conduct continued, according to an ESPN report. It did continue, with a second investigation a year later. But Taylor remained employed and coached the Cardinal to a second consecutive 3-9 season.

Stanford football coach Troy Taylor was fired on Tuesday, on the heels of an ESPN report that the second-year coach was investigated for "hostile and aggressive behavior" towards colleagues—particularly women that work with the Cardinal program. Program general manager Andrew Luck confirmed the move, stating that the program "needs a reset."

Who could the Cardinal turn toward? The timing puts Stanford in a tough spot with candidate pool that doesn't feel deep.