Stanford University has dismissed head football coach Troy Taylor following allegations of mistreatment toward staff members, marking a significant shake-up in the program. The decision, announced by general manager Andrew Luck, comes less than a week after reports surfaced detailing two investigations into Taylor’s conduct since his hiring before the 2023 season.
The investigations, as reported by ESPN, revealed allegations of hostile and aggressive behavior, including personal attacks against female staff members. One investigation concluded that Taylor retaliated against a compliance officer who had identified minor NCAA infractions, seeking her removal from her duties.
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The findings described Taylor’s treatment of employees as inconsistent with Stanford’s standards, with investigators noting an unprecedented level of animosity toward the university’s compliance office. In a statement, Luck emphasized the need for a cultural reset within the football program.
“After continued consideration, it is evident to me that our program needs a reset,” Luck said. “In consultation with university leadership, I no longer believe that Coach Taylor is the right coach to lead our football program.”
It was time for a change anyway
Taylor’s tenure at Stanford was marked by back-to-back 3-9 seasons, a stark contrast to the program’s success during Luck’s playing years from 2009 to 2011, when the Cardinal were a dominant force in college football. Taylor, who previously built a strong record at Sacramento State, faced challenges in restoring Stanford’s competitiveness on the national stage.
Luck, who was hired as general manager in November 2024, now faces the task of finding a new head coach to lead the program. With athletic director Bernard Muir set to step down at the end of the academic year, Luck will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Stanford football.
“We have powerful traditions, incredible student-athletes, and a vision for the future that demonstrates our strong potential as a program,” Luck said, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to return to prominence.
The dismissal of Taylor underscores Stanford’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive culture, both on and off the field. As the search for a new coach begins, the university aims to rebuild its football program while upholding its values of excellence and integrity.
