Stanford was in the market for a new head coach after firing Troy Taylor due to his workplace behavior. Taylor reportedly bullied and belittled female athletic staffers. The university initially stood by Taylor, but reversed course a few days later, firing the head coach. In two seasons with Stanford, Taylor went 6-18.

Stanford has fired coach Troy Taylor less than a week after it was revealed that university investigations found he mistreated female staffers, according to documents obtained by ESPN. The decision was announced by general manager Andrew Luck on Tuesday.

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.