David Taylor’s retirement after a setback was not something he enjoyed, though he joined as a head coach at Oklahoma State University. As he failed to get into the U.S. Olympic team for 2024, he felt unsatisfied even with a coaching gig. Soon, Taylor turned heads and announced his return to the competition mat, and back in April 2024 he won bronze at the World Championships. Then, Taylor was confirmed as a full-time coach, and like the mat, he is doing wonders in this new role as well.

David Taylor has been making headlines ever since he started coaching. OSU dominated Wyoming with a score of 32-6, and after the victory, Taylor said, “That was pretty fun. That was a good start.” Now, the OSU team is again in a buzz with their recent win and nine wrestlers in the top four.

David Taylor, the accomplished wrestler and now head coach at Oklahoma State University, recently shared insights into his team’s progress and the challenges they face. Cowboys have again shown a dominant performance at Cliff Keen Las Vegas (CKLV). During an interview with FloWrestling, Taylor reflected on his expectations as the match surpassed, the reporter asked how he assesses this weekend. Taylor stated, “You know, I think you look at this as an opportunity to compete and to see where we’re at.” With two individual champions and eight place winners, OSU won the team title (192 points) at the 2024 CKLV Invitational on Saturday afternoon. Two champions—Dean Hamiyi Jr. (174 pounds) and Wyatt Hendrickson (285 pounds).

Telling about the recent developments, Taylor added, “We had a good weekend last week with four duels.” Shows his satisfaction with the team’s ability to perform consistently and refine strategies during intense matchups. “Nine in the top four. That hasn’t happened since 1983,” said the FloWrestling report.

Taylor also highlighted the importance of adaptability and receptivity among his athletes. “We had the time to train and work on some stuff, and the guys are making adjustments,” he explained. Adjustments to the moves on the mat are necessary to improve and face new challenges on the wrestling mat.

Further elaborating on his athletes’ dedication, Taylor remarked, “You know, they’re listening; obviously, they’re accepting, and they’re being…” One of the good qualities of a coach or trainee must be trusting the students, and being a good coach, Taylor also has trust and discipline within the team. It also speaks to Taylor’s ability to inspire and guide his wrestlers effectively.

Taylor’s leadership and the team’s willingness to embrace change signal a promising trajectory. “I think that was what we saw this weekend,” he said, summarizing the weekend’s outcomes. Under his guidance, Oklahoma State University’s wrestling team is poised to achieve greater heights, blending Taylor’s rich legacy with the team’s evolving potential.

“It is a lot of fun”: David Taylor is enjoying his head coach era

The wrestling world itself witnessed David Taylor’s legacy on a mat, and now OSU’s achievements under his coaching are in front of everyone. Before ending the interview, Taylor talked about the coaching journey. A FloWrestling reporter asked if it was ‘fun’ as a coach. As the Tokyo Olympic medalist bid goodbye to the mat, he shared the thrill of being a coach.

David Taylor responded, “It’s a lot of fun, you know. It’s a whole different dynamic, you know, being on the other side.” Taylor also admits that he sees no problem in the transition from competition to coaching. He said, “I enjoy sitting there. It’s the best seat in the house… Gonna watch these guys wrestle and watch them make changes and develop relationships with them. I think that stuff is more fun than the wins and losses.”

OSU athletics director Chad Weiberg said, “I think it’s a great thing any time that we can put the brand of the program out in the wrestling world.” What do you think about the coaching era of David Taylor? Where will Taylor’s guidance take his team after the most successful CKLV in decades? Do tell your thoughts in the comment section below.