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