[Mick]

Can you imagine losing a multi-million dollar a year job because of the a$$hole way you treated staff?  Boy, he really needs some deep self reflection . . . and a lot of therapy.

Good riddance because he won 6 games in two seasons.  You really can't do much worse than that.  We need better.

Agreed. Funny thing with a$$holes...they don't realize that's how they come off, particularly when they're successful...which Taylor was, before he joined Stanford. So he probably received little to no resistance to his management style along the way until it became a cemented habit. Must have been quite a shock for him.

[Mick]

Can you imagine losing a multi-million dollar a year job because of the a$$hole way you treated staff?  Boy, he really needs some deep self reflection . . . and a lot of therapy.

Good riddance because he won 6 games in two seasons.  You really can't do much worse than that.  We need better.

Agreed. Funny thing with a$$holes...they don't realize that's how they come off, particularly when they're successful...which Taylor was, before he joined Stanford. So he probably received little to no resistance to his management style along the way until it became a cemented habit. Must have been quite a shock for him.

[Langdude]

Wanted: One Miracle Worker.

Compensation: Not Reflective of the Expected Miracle

Environment: Turbulent academically, athletically, financially...pretty much every way you can imagine

Recent Success: Depends on definition. 10-15 years ago, extraordinary. That's what we want. Last four years? Exact opposite of what we want.

Obstacles: Legion

Predecessor: Resigned peacefully to take a better job

Travel Expectations: Let's just say we're on the Pacific coast and our league title starts with "Atlantic." 15 of our 16 opponents are at least two time zones away.

Please send your resume, list of career accomplishments and highlights and a summary of upward comments from your former assistant coaches, players and administrators to: A. Luck

This made me laugh out loud!

Maybe Andrew can be head coach, GM, and AD?

-m.

[Langdude]

Wanted: One Miracle Worker.

Compensation: Not Reflective of the Expected Miracle

Environment: Turbulent academically, athletically, financially...pretty much every way you can imagine

Recent Success: Depends on definition. 10-15 years ago, extraordinary. That's what we want. Last four years? Exact opposite of what we want.

Obstacles: Legion

Predecessor: Resigned peacefully to take a better job

Travel Expectations: Let's just say we're on the Pacific coast and our league title starts with "Atlantic." 15 of our 16 opponents are at least two time zones away.

Please send your resume, list of career accomplishments and highlights and a summary of upward comments from your former assistant coaches, players and administrators to: A. Luck

This made me laugh out loud!

Maybe Andrew can be head coach, GM, and AD?

-m.

[BillBradley]

I very much hope Luck spoke with head coaching candidates from the moment he took the job. The season has been over for months and now here we sit with the position open. Unless there was some greasing of skids for a particular candidate (maybe an NFL contact of Luck's?), a search process at this point would likely be less then fruitful. Instead of hiring the best available, I would rather get an assistant coach, past head coach, Luck, or someone else close to Stanford fill the position on a one year contract until we can hire someone great. In other words, lets not repeat the same mistake. Taylor was a no-excitement, below-standard hire from the get go.

***
Edit: Oops, apologies - didn't see the New Coach thread before posting this.

[BillBradley]

I very much hope Luck spoke with head coaching candidates from the moment he took the job. The season has been over for months and now here we sit with the position open. Unless there was some greasing of skids for a particular candidate (maybe an NFL contact of Luck's?), a search process at this point would likely be less then fruitful. Instead of hiring the best available, I would rather get an assistant coach, past head coach, Luck, or someone else close to Stanford fill the position on a one year contract until we can hire someone great. In other words, lets not repeat the same mistake. Taylor was a no-excitement, below-standard hire from the get go.

***
Edit: Oops, apologies - didn't see the New Coach thread before posting this.

[paloalto]

Yeah it will be most likely an interim coach which is less than ideal.  Stanford fans will probably have to deal with one more year of an uncertain direction for the football program.

[paloalto]

Yeah it will be most likely an interim coach which is less than ideal.  Stanford fans will probably have to deal with one more year of an uncertain direction for the football program.

[terry]

The news of the investigations made it untenable for Taylor to continue for several possible reasons --

- It's just awfully hard to withstand this much bad publicity, and it became evident that the story wasn't going to go away.

- Stanford's image has taken a hit, which was going to get worse if Stanford kept Taylor.

- The damage to Taylor's reputation is probably irreparable, which could have killed our recruiting.

- There may have been pressure from major donors.

- The players may have turned against Taylor. (This is speculation, not fact.)

- There may have been additional problems with Taylor's behavior that surfaced since this issue became public. (More speculation.)

- The new regime (Levin, Martinez, Luck) may not have fully known or appreciated the whole story until this week. They may have discovered more about it over the last week.

[terry]

The news of the investigations made it untenable for Taylor to continue for several possible reasons --

- It's just awfully hard to withstand this much bad publicity, and it became evident that the story wasn't going to go away.

- Stanford's image has taken a hit, which was going to get worse if Stanford kept Taylor.

- The damage to Taylor's reputation is probably irreparable, which could have killed our recruiting.

- There may have been pressure from major donors.

- The players may have turned against Taylor. (This is speculation, not fact.)

- There may have been additional problems with Taylor's behavior that surfaced since this issue became public. (More speculation.)

- The new regime (Levin, Martinez, Luck) may not have fully known or appreciated the whole story until this week. They may have discovered more about it over the last week.

[Mick]

The news of the investigations made it untenable for Taylor to continue for several possible reasons --

- It's just awfully hard to withstand this much bad publicity, and it became evident that the story wasn't going to go away.

- Stanford's image has taken a hit, which was going to get worse if Stanford kept Taylor.

- The damage to Taylor's reputation is probably irreparable, which could have killed our recruiting.

- There may have been pressure from major donors.

- The players may have turned against Taylor. (This is speculation, not fact.)

- There may have been additional problems with Taylor's behavior that surfaced since this issue became public. (More speculation.)

- The new regime (Levin, Martinez, Luck) may not have fully known or appreciated the whole story until this week. They may have discovered more about it over the last week.

Terry, I think all of that is correct, including your speculations. My suspicion is that the administration was unaware of all the facts and subtleties of the whole story until recently, just based on how they acted.

[Mick]

The news of the investigations made it untenable for Taylor to continue for several possible reasons --

- It's just awfully hard to withstand this much bad publicity, and it became evident that the story wasn't going to go away.

- Stanford's image has taken a hit, which was going to get worse if Stanford kept Taylor.

- The damage to Taylor's reputation is probably irreparable, which could have killed our recruiting.

- There may have been pressure from major donors.

- The players may have turned against Taylor. (This is speculation, not fact.)

- There may have been additional problems with Taylor's behavior that surfaced since this issue became public. (More speculation.)

- The new regime (Levin, Martinez, Luck) may not have fully known or appreciated the whole story until this week. They may have discovered more about it over the last week.

Terry, I think all of that is correct, including your speculations. My suspicion is that the administration was unaware of all the facts and subtleties of the whole story until recently, just based on how they acted.

[martyup]

I never liked the way he constantly squatted on the sideline.  That was a red flag.

[martyup]

I never liked the way he constantly squatted on the sideline.  That was a red flag.

[Goose]

My suspicion is that the administration was unaware of all the facts and subtleties of the whole story until recently, just based on how they acted.

I agree that the administration and the GM did not seem prepared to deal with this situation based on how they acted. However, an alternate explanation is that they knew about the problem in sufficient detail but failed to address it. IMO the latter is more probable. The GM in particular should have informed himself of all the "facts" the moment he became aware his head coach had personal behavior issues of any kind. These kind of problems, particularly in today's world, clearly can become "serious". Knowing the details would be necessary to evaluate how bad the problem may become.
 
Since Stanford did not move immediately to terminate TT when the second investigation was completed, there was no "good" path out of the subsequent morass. Lacking any "good" way out, it is unsurprising the problem wasn't addressed more proactively. Luck would have needed to recommend voluntarily disclosure of the fact Stanford was aware of the problem yet had retained TT anyway. That necessity was so unpalatable that adopting it was emotionally inadmissible. Without adopting that recommendation no "solution" was possible. Therefore there was none when events made such a disclosure moot.

[Goose]

My suspicion is that the administration was unaware of all the facts and subtleties of the whole story until recently, just based on how they acted.

I agree that the administration and the GM did not seem prepared to deal with this situation based on how they acted. However, an alternate explanation is that they knew about the problem in sufficient detail but failed to address it. IMO the latter is more probable. The GM in particular should have informed himself of all the "facts" the moment he became aware his head coach had personal behavior issues of any kind. These kind of problems, particularly in today's world, clearly can become "serious". Knowing the details would be necessary to evaluate how bad the problem may become.
 
Since Stanford did not move immediately to terminate TT when the second investigation was completed, there was no "good" path out of the subsequent morass. Lacking any "good" way out, it is unsurprising the problem wasn't addressed more proactively. Luck would have needed to recommend voluntarily disclosure of the fact Stanford was aware of the problem yet had retained TT anyway. That necessity was so unpalatable that adopting it was emotionally inadmissible. Without adopting that recommendation no "solution" was possible. Therefore there was none when events made such a disclosure moot.

[fullmetal]

I'd like to think the leak was orchestrated to give the admin cover to fire TT.  It's the most charitable way to interpret the admin+GM decision-making timeline.  However, it's also possible there was some level of deliberate or reluctant covering up that was upended with the leaks.  In any case, I think the end result this time was the correct result.

[fullmetal]

I'd like to think the leak was orchestrated to give the admin cover to fire TT.  It's the most charitable way to interpret the admin+GM decision-making timeline.  However, it's also possible there was some level of deliberate or reluctant covering up that was upended with the leaks.  In any case, I think the end result this time was the correct result.

[Row80Critic]

Stanford has had 32 head football coaches in the history of the program.  16 of them coached more games than Taylor; 15 coached fewer games then Taylor.  Taylor leaves the program with the single worst win-loss percentage (25% wins) of all coaches, ever, dating back to 1892.  And Stanford was STILL willing to give him another year until news broke that he was not only a terrible coach, but a jerk to boot.  Culture of love my foot.  Bring on Chris Peterson.  Bring on Nick Saban.  Go Stanford!

[Row80Critic]

Stanford has had 32 head football coaches in the history of the program.  16 of them coached more games than Taylor; 15 coached fewer games then Taylor.  Taylor leaves the program with the single worst win-loss percentage (25% wins) of all coaches, ever, dating back to 1892.  And Stanford was STILL willing to give him another year until news broke that he was not only a terrible coach, but a jerk to boot.  Culture of love my foot.  Bring on Chris Peterson.  Bring on Nick Saban.  Go Stanford!

[jonnyss]

didn't someone post, here or tos, that in a players' meeting, tt recently focused on his indignation about the leak rather than his regret and eagerness to do better? if yes, that might have been the last straw.

[jonnyss]

didn't someone post, here or tos, that in a players' meeting, tt recently focused on his indignation about the leak rather than his regret and eagerness to do better? if yes, that might have been the last straw.

[82lsju]

Stanford has had 32 head football coaches in the history of the program.  16 of them coached more games than Taylor; 15 coached fewer games then Taylor.  Taylor leaves the program with the single worst win-loss percentage (25% wins) of all coaches, ever, dating back to 1892.  And Stanford was STILL willing to give him another year until news broke that he was not only a terrible coach, but a jerk to boot.  Culture of love my foot.  Bring on Chris Peterson.  Bring on Nick Saban.  Go Stanford!

those interested can review the history of Stanford football head coaches at the link below, many of those with fewer games coached than Taylor had one or two season as head coach before 1924 (12 of the 15).  The ones since them are Clark Shaughnessy, Rod Dowhower, and Walt Harris.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_St...ll_coaches

[82lsju]

Stanford has had 32 head football coaches in the history of the program.  16 of them coached more games than Taylor; 15 coached fewer games then Taylor.  Taylor leaves the program with the single worst win-loss percentage (25% wins) of all coaches, ever, dating back to 1892.  And Stanford was STILL willing to give him another year until news broke that he was not only a terrible coach, but a jerk to boot.  Culture of love my foot.  Bring on Chris Peterson.  Bring on Nick Saban.  Go Stanford!

those interested can review the history of Stanford football head coaches at the link below, many of those with fewer games coached than Taylor had one or two season as head coach before 1924 (12 of the 15).  The ones since them are Clark Shaughnessy, Rod Dowhower, and Walt Harris.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_St...ll_coaches

[cardcrimson]

didn't someone post, here or tos, that in a players' meeting, tt recently focused on his indignation about the leak rather than his regret and eagerness to do better? if yes, that might have been the last straw.

Been on several sites.

Importantly, the first investigation started before he coached his first game on the Farm. He should have been Mike Priced. . . .

[cardcrimson]

didn't someone post, here or tos, that in a players' meeting, tt recently focused on his indignation about the leak rather than his regret and eagerness to do better? if yes, that might have been the last straw.

Been on several sites.

Importantly, the first investigation started before he coached his first game on the Farm. He should have been Mike Priced. . . .

[Goose]

Importantly, the first investigation started before he coached his first game on the Farm. He should have been Mike Priced. . . .

Indeed. This fact puts the main mistake of not doing so squarely on Muir. The ensuing  bad reflection on Stanford is totally at Muir's doorstep. It was  absolutely certain this situation could not be kept quiet indefinitely. Firing TT immediately was justifiable and would not bring opprobrium upon Stanford. Yes, Muir might have had to admit he hired the wrong guy, but he was at least correcting the mistake very early on. If that course of action is not adopted then the only alternative was to go public at that time, describe the problem and the "solution", namely a performance program. That at least was defensible. Trying to keep it all quiet ensured the day was coming that Stanford could be blamed for retaining a "equal opportunity a**hole" and suppressing the evidence. It was just a matter of when.

[Goose]

Importantly, the first investigation started before he coached his first game on the Farm. He should have been Mike Priced. . . .

Indeed. This fact puts the main mistake of not doing so squarely on Muir. The ensuing  bad reflection on Stanford is totally at Muir's doorstep. It was  absolutely certain this situation could not be kept quiet indefinitely. Firing TT immediately was justifiable and would not bring opprobrium upon Stanford. Yes, Muir might have had to admit he hired the wrong guy, but he was at least correcting the mistake very early on. If that course of action is not adopted then the only alternative was to go public at that time, describe the problem and the "solution", namely a performance program. That at least was defensible. Trying to keep it all quiet ensured the day was coming that Stanford could be blamed for retaining a "equal opportunity a**hole" and suppressing the evidence. It was just a matter of when.

[Sam Leopold]

Wanted: One Miracle Worker.

Compensation: Not Reflective of the Expected Miracle

Environment: Turbulent academically, athletically, financially...pretty much every way you can imagine

Recent Success: Depends on definition. 10-15 years ago, extraordinary. That's what we want. Last four years? Exact opposite of what we want.

Obstacles: Legion

Predecessor: Resigned peacefully to take a better job

Travel Expectations: Let's just say we're on the Pacific coast and our league title starts with "Atlantic." 15 of our 16 opponents are at least two time zones away.

Please send your resume, list of career accomplishments and highlights and a summary of upward comments from your former assistant coaches, players and administrators to: A. Luck

This made me laugh out loud!

Maybe Andrew can be head coach, GM, and AD?

-m.

I wouldn't be so quick to sell the idea short; Barry Alvarez did it at Wisconsin in 2004 and 2005.  Well, okay, not the GM part.......

[Sam Leopold]

Wanted: One Miracle Worker.

Compensation: Not Reflective of the Expected Miracle

Environment: Turbulent academically, athletically, financially...pretty much every way you can imagine

Recent Success: Depends on definition. 10-15 years ago, extraordinary. That's what we want. Last four years? Exact opposite of what we want.

Obstacles: Legion

Predecessor: Resigned peacefully to take a better job

Travel Expectations: Let's just say we're on the Pacific coast and our league title starts with "Atlantic." 15 of our 16 opponents are at least two time zones away.

Please send your resume, list of career accomplishments and highlights and a summary of upward comments from your former assistant coaches, players and administrators to: A. Luck

This made me laugh out loud!

Maybe Andrew can be head coach, GM, and AD?

-m.

I wouldn't be so quick to sell the idea short; Barry Alvarez did it at Wisconsin in 2004 and 2005.  Well, okay, not the GM part.......

[newguy]

at least our GM's statement didn't start with Dearest Mother.

[newguy]

at least our GM's statement didn't start with Dearest Mother.

[PVTree]

I never liked the way he constantly squatted on the sideline.  That was a red flag.

Speaking of dislikes, I was never too keen on the small glasses at the tip of the nose look. It's the same look my science teacher had, and it fit him (65 year old with completely grey hair and wardrobe from 20 years ago back in the 80s), but not a good look for TT IMO.

[PVTree]

I never liked the way he constantly squatted on the sideline.  That was a red flag.

Speaking of dislikes, I was never too keen on the small glasses at the tip of the nose look. It's the same look my science teacher had, and it fit him (65 year old with completely grey hair and wardrobe from 20 years ago back in the 80s), but not a good look for TT IMO.

[Mick]

Agreed. When my football coach wears glasses, I want them big and thick, not dainty. Manly glasses...

[Mick]

Agreed. When my football coach wears glasses, I want them big and thick, not dainty. Manly glasses...

[gailtate]

at least our GM's statement didn't start with Dearest Mother.

+1

[gailtate]

at least our GM's statement didn't start with Dearest Mother.

+1

[fullmetal]

at least our GM's statement didn't start with Dearest Mother.

+1

Now...

Dearest mother —
I’ve relieved Gen. Taylor of his duties. While vexing, my resolve and determination to appoint new leadership are as solid as the hogs’ outhouse. Regiment drilling shall begin soon. A new day and new campaign are ahead. Thrilling. Please send more squirrel oil and a frog leg rhubarb pie.
— Andrew

https://x.com/CaptAndrewLuck/status/1904952973614268789

[fullmetal]

at least our GM's statement didn't start with Dearest Mother.

+1

Now...

Dearest mother —
I’ve relieved Gen. Taylor of his duties. While vexing, my resolve and determination to appoint new leadership are as solid as the hogs’ outhouse. Regiment drilling shall begin soon. A new day and new campaign are ahead. Thrilling. Please send more squirrel oil and a frog leg rhubarb pie.
— Andrew

https://x.com/CaptAndrewLuck/status/1904952973614268789