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.

General manager Andrew Luck announced the decision in his first major move since taking over in his role running the entire football program.

The Stanford football program is in flux. The firing of coach Troy Taylor on Tuesday caught many off guard, even after allegations came out last week about mistreatment of staffers. Most high powered coaches survive those kinds of allegations.