Ex-Stanford coach Troy Taylor takes issue with investigation - ESPN

Former Stanford head football coach Troy Taylor released a statement about his firing on Wednesday, taking issue with the findings of two separate workplace investigations conducted during his two years as head coach.

Taylor said he was not fired for cause and called coverage of the firing «unfair.» In a statement posted on X by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Taylor acknowledged that both investigations were launched after complaints were made about his workplace behavior.

Taylor did not acknowledge any wrongdoing in his statement, although he said he had not obtained the text of the two investigation reports in which multiple complainants were quoted.

ESPN obtained copies of both investigations and was first to report on the findings. Taylor described the first investigation, concluded in mid-2023, as involving only one complaint and one complainant.

While the investigation was initially launched in response to a single complainant who alleged gender bias and «a culture problem in football,» the investigation ultimately included interviews with at least 20 Stanford athletic department staffers regarding four allegations against Taylor. Three of the allegations regarding belittling and inappropriate behavior toward multiple women were deemed to have merit. The investigator did find «insufficient evidence» regarding the original complaint.

«Although I disagreed with the [first] complaint, I took it seriously and fully cooperated.» Taylor said in the statement. «The [first] investigation, which I have still never seen, concluded I did not act unfairly.»

Taylor called media coverage of him «unfair, wrong, and contrary to my professional record and the person that I am and have always been.»

ESPN reached out to Taylor's