David Taylor explains how being head coach of Oklahoma State reignited his love for returning to competition after retirement

American freestyle wrestler David Taylor recently shed light on how his coaching role at Oklahoma helped him rediscover his love for wrestling after retiring. Taylor announced his retirement and joined Oklahoma State University in March following his exit from the 2024 US wrestling trials.

However, the Nevada native reversed his retirement to compete for the US freestyle team at the 2024 World Wrestling Championships. Owing to this, he will join an elite group of wrestlers, including Cael Sanderson and John Smith, who have competed in tournaments while serving as coaches.

Taylor recently shared that the coaching role at Oklahoma University became a key factor in his return to competition. In an interview with Olympics.com, Taylor shared how mentoring young wrestlers at Oklahoma rekindled his own passion for the sport. He also mentioned that he was disappointed after failing to make it to the US team for the 2024 Paris event. Here's what he said:

"In the emotion of the moment after that letdown, I felt like I was done wrestling. I just didn't have any ambition to compete anymore. Change stimulates growth. Oklahoma State gave me a change of scenery and a change of energy."

He further added:

"I was putting guys through workouts and I felt like I had the fire to compete the way I’m asking these guys to compete, so I should probably do that."

During the interview, Taylor also shed light on his much-anticipated clash with Abdulrashi Sadulaev. The 33-year-old stated that he is quite eager to fight someone of the stature of the Russian wrestler.

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David Taylor comments on Oklahoma University's transfers for the upcoming season

In Picture: Taylor after his semifinal match at the 2023 Wrestling World Championships Belgrade (Image via Getty)

Head coach David Taylor recently opened up about the transfers that have joined the Oklahoma Cowboys this season. The Cowboys have roped in numerous prominent wrestlers, including Wyatt Hendrickson and Cameron Amine.

Taylor recently expressed his satisfaction with the team's transfers this season, calling them "fortunate." He said (via the Oklahoman):

"We got very fortunate with the transfers that we have. Sometimes you get transfers at the end of their career and they’re just checked out. These guys are not. They’re engaged."

The Oklahoma Cowboys, who last won the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 2006, are aiming to break that drought under their new and experienced coach, David Taylor.