It’s been a while since David Taylor became the head coach of the Cowboys after his glorious wrestling career. Taylor’s decision to leave competitive wrestling and take the role up always sparked some serious debates. Everyone, who once saw him as the face of Penn State wrestling, was left wondering if he was stepping away from a legacy too great to leave behind. The question wasn’t just about his transition; it was about what he was leaving and why he was doing it.

But here’s the thing: Taylor isn’t just stepping away. He’s evolving. After dominating every stage of the sport, from the Olympics to the World Championships, David Taylor is doing something new. And it’s this next chapter in his career that clears up any doubts about his decision to leave Penn State for Oklahoma State.

Taylor’s legacy is ever-evolving

David Taylor’s career is already a living legend. He’s the 2020 Olympic gold medalist. Along with being a three-time world champion (2018, 2022, 2023) and winning the NCAA championship four times, Taylor is a proven wrestling icon who made his mark on wrestling altogether. Still, he walked away from competition; the controversy surrounding his move to Oklahoma State seems like a real plot twist. Why, after being a Penn State graduate and someone who helped build the Nittany Lions, did he decide to coach for a rival team? Was there more to this than just a career shift?

It’s clear now—there was. For David Taylor, it’s not about the rivalry, the controversy, or people’s thoughts. In an interview with FloWrestling on 25th January, Taylor expressed, “It’s a blast. I mean, there’s so many different aspects of this job, you know, and I enjoy them all.” He took the first coaching assignment of his career, starting with the Cowboys in May 2024, and guess what! Taylor was directly appointed as head coach for OSU wrestling. The fire that once drove him on the mat is still there, but now it’s being channeled into coaching the Cowboys. As their coach, he has done wonders; no doubt why the Cowboys and OSU’s wrestling programs rank third in NWCA’s top 25 poll. David Taylor has led the Cowboys to attain a perfect 6-0 record in dual meets during the 2024-25 season. And one can say he loves it!

Despite all the noise surrounding his move, David Taylor is making one thing clear: his commitment to coaching isn’t just about continuing a legacy. It’s about building something even bigger. The doubts people had? They’re already being erased as he brings his unparalleled expertise to Stillwater, guiding a new generation of wrestlers. “These are fun experiences, you know, they’re fun for the team and fun for me as a coach,” he added, perfectly capturing the essence of his coaching journey.

David Taylor started a new era at OSU

Taylor’s shift to Oklahoma State is more than just a career change—it’s the start of something fresh. His experience with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club and his time running M2 Training Center means he’s no stranger to leading and mentoring up-and-coming wrestlers. But coaching the Cowboys? It’s a different beast entirely. The Cowboys have been performing great under head coach Taylor’s leadership; on January 19, the Cowboys ruled over West Virginia 30-12. The Cowboys concluded their latest match against Northern Iowa, 22-14. And the victories will keep mounting up, no doubt!

As a coach, David Taylor has always remained grounded; at the same time, he’s a critic, an essential skill to uplift his wrestlers. “I’m excited to be a part of a program where we constantly are moving the needle,” Taylor said, and that excitement is already infectious. David Taylor’s ability to move from champion wrestler to head coach is creating a ripple effect, not just in the wrestling world, but within Oklahoma State’s own program.

Remember how things unfolded during the recruiting season? Taylor stayed patient and strategic, picking out the best potential that he deemed fit to be the part of the Cowboys. For the 133-pound spot filling that happened in November 2024? What crazy times! This is nothing but an instance of how much Taylor gives in being the coach of the Cowboys. What do you think? Comment below!