Former Stanford coach Troy Taylor has publicly stated that he was dismissed without cause, refuting the negative characterizations made against him by the media. Taylor addressed these claims in a recent statement after his termination by general manager Andrew Luck on March 25, implying that Stanford fulfilled their financial obligations towards him upon his exit.

It was reported by ESPN that Taylor was let go following two investigations related to his treatment of female staff, which occurred prior to the 2024 season. Luck was reportedly aware of these investigations when assuming his role earlier this year.

“The media’s recent portrayal of me is unfair, wrong and contrary to my professional track record and the person I am and have always been,” Taylor expressed in his statement. “The truth is that Stanford terminated me without cause and, as a result, is honoring the original payment terms of my contract.”

According to the documents acquired by ESPN, over 20 female staff members provided information to the investigators. One investigator deemed Taylor’s behavior towards a compliance officer as “inappropriate” and violative based on her gender. Additionally, Taylor allegedly requested the removal of the compliance officer from her duties due to minor violations she had highlighted.

In his statement, Taylor conveyed that he had cooperated fully with both inquiries. The first investigation, concluded in 2023, found no wrongdoing on his part, while the second led to him being instructed to modify his behavior and forgoing a previously agreed-upon pay raise from January 2024.

“I accepted Stanford’s demand last summer for the sake of the team,” Taylor remarked. “I was not shown the private and confidential second report that was also disclosed to ESPN recently. I have not faced any complaints or investigations since the conclusion of this inquiry last summer.”

Under his leadership, the Cardinal had two successive seasons of 3-9 records, marking the first instance where a college football general manager directly decided to terminate a coach, rather than relying on an athletic director.