“Honestly, I’m at peace with it because I did everything I wanted to do in my career. Everything and more,” said the 33 year old American former freestyle and folkstyle wrestler. David Taylor, a titan of the wrestling world, dazzled audiences with his exceptional skill and determination, clinching a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With his name etched in the annals of wrestling history, Taylor announced his retirement from the sport earlier this year.

David Taylor, a wrestling legend, first reached the top of his sport as the World Champion in 2018 and then did it again in 2022. He continued his incredible run by defending his title in 2023. Before making waves on the global stage, Taylor was a standout in college wrestling, winning the NCAA Division I National Championship twice and becoming a finalist four times. His journey from college star to world champion is a story of unwavering dedication and skill, leaving a lasting mark on the sport that fans and fellow wrestlers will remember for years to come.

After hanging up his wrestling shoes earlier this year, David Taylor chose to pass on his legacy through coaching. Embracing his new role, he’s now dedicating his time to mentoring young wrestlers at Oklahoma, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport with the next generation.

David Taylor’s transition from competing to coaching

David Taylor, after his recent runner-up finish at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, has shifted his focus to nurturing future champions. He now channels his expertise and passion into coaching the Oklahoma State wrestling team, guiding the next generation with the same dedication that marked his illustrious career. David Taylor is finding the shift to his new $6 million coaching role quite a challenge. The transition from being a celebrated athlete to guiding others is proving to be a heavy burden, as he works to balance his passion for the sport with the new pressures of this significant responsibility.

Oklahoma State has signed a transformative six-year deal with David Taylor, starting him with a $1 million base salary that gracefully rises by $30,000 each year, coupled with a one-time $1 million bonus. The contract offers a blend of security and flexibility, with exit costs set at 75% of the remaining contract for the initial three years, dipping to 60% for the latter three years. This marks the beginning of a remarkable coaching journey.

In a heartfelt interview on Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry, David Taylor opened up about his new role. “It’s a big thing, you know. You go from training to coaching—very different mentalities. You’re still competing at a high level, competing every day. We have a lot of ground to make up to be competitive at the level of the program’s expectations, our expectations, and the athletes’ expectations.” As a coach, Taylor balances the weight of his high standards with the ambitious goals of the program and the dreams of his athletes. It’s a delicate dance, guiding the next generation toward greatness while meeting collective aspirations.

“Athletes that come to Oklahoma State won’t wonder, ‘Am I good enough to be a national champion? Am I good enough to be a world champion?’ We’re going to help them, guide them on and off the mat—the mentality, the requirements, the training.” Aspiring athletes flock to Oklahoma State, driven by the dream of reaching the pinnacle of their sport. Under the mentorship of the reigning Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion, David Taylor, this dream is within reach. Taylor’s unparalleled expertise and inspiration illuminate the path to greatness for his protégés.

As Taylor steps into his high-stakes coaching role, the stage is set for a new generation of wrestlers to rise and shine. With his guidance, we can eagerly anticipate seeing these young athletes glitter on the grand stage, making their mark and etching their legacies in the world of wrestling. “My journey as a competitor is done; my journey as a coach is now just getting started,” Taylor said, embracing this new chapter with determination and vision.

David Taylor’s legacy as an athlete is illustrious, but his impact as a coach promises to be even more profound. At Oklahoma State, he’s not just shaping wrestlers—he’s forging champions, instilling in them the mindset and skills to conquer the world. The future is bright, and under Taylor’s mentorship, the stars of tomorrow are set to shine even brighter.