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 Troy Taylor on Tuesday, less than one week after an ESPN report outlined instances in which he had allegedly bullied and belittled female athletic staffers during his two seasons as the Cardinal's football coach.