“It’s an honor to be in this position, and I’m extremely grateful,” David Taylor said, reflecting on his new role as a coach. Three months into his major shift from wrestling to coaching, Taylor finally had the chance to reunite with his family, marking a poignant moment in his journey. The 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time World Championship Gold Medalist made a significant move to Oklahoma State University. 

This shift came after Taylor, nearly synonymous with Penn State Wrestling and the Nittany Lions, became the head coach of Oklahoma State’s wrestling program. The media has been in a frenzy since the announcement. To make this transition more permanent, Taylor’s wife and three daughters also moved to his new home base, signaling a happy new start for the Taylor family as they come together under one roof once again.

David Taylor shares glimpses of his adorable family

Recently the 86 kg category wrestler shared some exciting news via an Instagram post. He captioned the news that his family has officially moved to Oklahoma, “The rest of the family is finally here! Excited to begin this next chapter of life with them in Stillwater”. Taylor shared a series of adorable pictures with the three daughters, Birdie, London, and Ivy that he shares with his wife Kendra. In the pictures, he was seen playing with them in a park. The Taylors are also known animal lovers and had fostered many cats in Pennsylvania from a local animal shelter. Their daughters are also equally pet-friendly as one of them was seen in the last picture gently cradling a puppy.

Also, in case you’re not aware, David Taylor and his wife’s story is one for the books! The two lovebirds met brilliantly in a wrestling match and married in Chicago. She has been a great source of support for him and encouraged him in his career shift. David Taylor accepted the position as the 8th wrestling coach in Oklahoma in May, replacing interim coach Coleman Scott as the successor to John Smith who is known as the winningest coach in program history. “This is a tough challenge,” Taylor said.

“And to be honest with you guys, it is the most uncomfortable — (one of) the most uncomfortable decisions I’ve ever made.” He is accompanied by his brother-in-law and former Penn State assistant coach Jimmy Kennedy to hold the same position at OSU. Thomas Gilman is scripted as assistant coach with Daton Fix as the head of the Cowboy RTC. Now with his family’s support and their proximity, Taylor will surely be able to forge his own path forward in his new career. 

Why did a career shift come at the correct time for David Taylor?

David Taylor used to be a part of the Penn State wrestling family. He lived in Happy Valley and trained in the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. However, he then made the decision to move to Stillwater, to start a position in OSU. He tweeted expressing his feelings, “Forever grateful for my Penn State family, I am looking forward to this new chapter with @CowboyWrestling @OSUAthletics”. The decision came after Aaron Brooks blasted through him in several matches of the 2024 Olympics trials which was likely the last time Taylor would attempt adding another gold medal to his name. As a result, David Taylor made the choice of shifting careers. 

Taylor has a collegiate record of 134-3 at Penn State, he’s won 2 NCAA titles and 4 Big Ten Championships. He’s won the Hodge Trophy for the best wrestler and a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The achievements are endless. Additionally, David Taylor already has ample skills at coaching if his association with the M2 training center, K2 Roots, and Vitality Wellness Club is any indication. Plus he’s trained under the legendary Cael Sanderson and was an active part of Nittany Lions. His legacy will also positively influence recruitment for OSU. All in all, David Taylor’s move to coaching seems to have been a very strategic move. 

What do you think of the whole story? Let us know in the comments below.