Troy Taylor, Stanford University’s head football coach, is a former NFL quarterback and experienced college coach now under intense scrutiny. Hired on December 10, 2022, after a successful run at Sacramento State, Taylor was tasked with reviving a struggling Stanford program following David Shaw’s departure. A California native and Cal-Berkeley graduate, he built a reputation for his innovative offensive strategies.
However, just two years into his tenure, Taylor faces mounting pressure as reports of workplace misconduct have surfaced. Investigations in 2024 found that he mistreated female staff members, sought the removal of an NCAA compliance officer after receiving rule violation warnings, and made inappropriate remarks about a woman’s appearance.
Despite signing a warning letter in February 2024 and undergoing counseling, Taylor remains in charge as of March 24, 2025. With a 6-18 record and serious allegations surrounding him, speculation continues over whether Stanford will decide to part ways with him.
Taylor’s Future and Andrew Luck’s Role in Stanford’s Direction
Andrew Luck, one of Stanford’s most renowned alumni, built an impressive legacy in college and the NFL before stepping into his current Cardinal General Manager role. From 2008 to 2011, Luck excelled at Stanford, throwing for 9,430 yards and 82 touchdowns while leading the team to a 31-7 record. He was a two-time Heisman runner-up and the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Luck was the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 1 overall pick in the NFL in 2012. Over seven seasons, he passed for 23,671 yards and 171 touchdowns, earning four Pro Bowl selections before retiring in 2019 due to injuries.
Since becoming Stanford’s GM in November 2024, Luck has taken on major responsibilities, overseeing coaching decisions, roster management, and fundraising. He aims to turn around the program’s struggles under Taylor and use his strong Stanford connections to rebuild the team’s success.
Publicly, Luck has remained silent regarding the investigations into Taylor. However, behind closed doors, his stance appears clear.
Stanford football G.M. Andrew Luck as reportedly “doubled down” in his support of embattled coach Troy Taylor. https://t.co/utrAy2UXC0
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 22, 2025
According to ESPN’s Dan Wetzel, Xuan Thai—the reporter who first broke the story—revealed that Luck met with the Stanford football team on Thursday. During the meeting, Luck reportedly reaffirmed his support for Taylor, signaling his commitment to keeping the head coach in place despite ongoing controversy.
Luck’s role as Stanford’s General Manager is a major shift from the usual structure in college football. It gives him more control than a typical GM and changes the coach-led system.
At most schools, the head coach has the final say on rosters, recruiting, hiring staff, and game plans, while a GM or personnel director only offers advice—like when Nick Saban was at Alabama or Dabo Swinney at Clemson. However, with most things, especially involving the football team’s staff, Luck has the final say.
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As Stanford navigates a turbulent period, the futures of Taylor and the football program remain uncertain. Luck’s significant influence as General Manager could determine the coach’s fate. Whether this gamble pays off or leads to further upheaval, all eyes will be on Stanford as the 2025 season approaches.
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