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.

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

Stanford fired football coach Troy Taylor following a report last week that he had been investigated twice for allegedly mistreating staffers. General manager Andrew Luck announced the decision on Tuesday in his first major move since taking over in his role running the entire football program.