Who could the Cardinal turn toward? The timing puts Stanford in a tough spot with candidate pool that doesn't feel deep.

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.

Luck was hired in November by new school President Jon Levin to rebuild Stanford's struggling football program after four straight seasons with a 3-9 record, including the last two with Troy Taylor in charge.