Former Stanford football coach Troy Taylor is suing ESPN for defamation, claiming that a story written by them led to his firing from the school.

Former Stanford coach Troy Taylor is taking aim at ESPN. According to Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee, via Sam Neumann of AwfulAnnouncing.com, Taylor has sued ESPN and reporter Xuan Thai regarding a March 2025 story that, as Taylor alleges, resulted in his termination.

Former Stanford football coach Troy Taylor isn't happy with the way he was portrayed in an ESPN article that may have ultimately led to his firing. Taylor reportedly filed a defamation lawsuit against ESPN and reporter Xuan Thai for making false statements intended to smear Taylor's reputation, according to a complaint obtained by The Athletic.