Stanford Fires Football Coach Troy Taylor Amid Misconduct Allegations

Palo Alto, California – Stanford University has terminated the contract of football coach Troy Taylor following serious allegations of misconduct, including mistreatment of female staff members. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Stanford Football General Manager Andrew Luck, just days after reports emerged detailing two separate investigations into Taylor’s behavior.

Luck noted, “After continued consideration it is evident to me that our program needs a reset. In consultation with university leadership, I no longer believe that Coach Taylor is the right coach to lead our football program.” This decision comes in the wake of allegations that over 20 current and former staff members participated in investigations that described Taylor’s management style as hostile and aggressive, particularly towards female employees.

The investigations revealed a troubling pattern of behavior. In one instance, Taylor reportedly attempted to remove an NCAA compliance officer who alerted him to potential rule violations. The second investigation, which began last summer, highlighted several complaints from female athletic program employees regarding Taylor’s treatment, leading to further scrutiny of his conduct.

“Our focus remains on supporting our student-athletes and ensuring they have the best possible experience on the field, in the classroom, and on campus with their peers,” Luck added in his statement regarding the transition.

According to the findings, Taylor’s treatment of employees was deemed inconsistent with the standards established by Stanford. The second investigation detailed retaliation against a compliance staffer who discovered seven minor NCAA infractions, with Taylor allegedly seeking her removal from her role.

Taylor was set to enter his third year as Stanford’s head coach after enduring two consecutive 3-9 seasons. His record of 3-9 in each of his two years raised concerns about the direction of the program, which has seen significant declines since its past successes under former coach David Shaw.

Luck emphasized the need for a cultural shift within the football program. “We have powerful traditions, incredible student-athletes, and a vision for the future that demonstrates our strong potential as a program,” he stated. Luck, who was hired as the general manager in November, is now tasked with finding a new head coach who can restore Stanford’s competitive edge.

In the past decade, the Stanford football program has notably dropped in performance, struggling with a 20-46 record over the last six seasons. The Cardinal previously ranked among the top teams in college football, with three Rose Bowl appearances and two additional BCS bowl games from 2009 to 2018.

As Stanford navigates this leadership transition, the university will continue to look for ways to enhance its football program and support its athletes in both their sports and academic pursuits.