The Crazy Saga That Brought David Taylor To Oklahoma State

CP details the big news that recently came out about David Taylor taking over the head coaching job at Oklahoma State.
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[@christianpyles1820]

Biggest coaching shakeup since????? It has been fascinating to follow this coaching search. How do you think DT does at Ok State?

[@justinflott5133]

4 seasons away from doing big things

[@StudioStunna28]

@@justinflott5133 two seasons away 2026-2027

[@AWCTB]

@@justinflott5133he has a decent roster right now and I think he can really raise their levels. But I think he’s gonna get his hands on even better prospects and then you include he’s gonna mentor Carol and Lockett

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Cael at PSU

[@user-dl9jp9ti6e]

I feel he will hoist a title trophy in less than four years. I just can’t imagine a Bo Bassett preferring to wrestle for Cael than for Dave Taylor.

[@DGR_Dave]

As a Penn State alum and fan, this is GREAT for college wrestling as a whole. This will inject a lot of excitement into the college wrestling scene for years to come.

[@saljablo2767]

You didn’t even go to main campus

[@Stefon_X]

It’s gonna create some awesome storyline. Taylor working to dethrone the program that he helped build. Gonna be fun

[@michaelokeefe8709]

What does this comment even mean?​@@saljablo2767

[@Lonestar1017]

I completely agree, it feels like one of those cultural generational shifts

[@salvajeasp757]

Penn state is finished

[@tombystander]

Genuinely one of the bigger stories in American wrestling in a hot minute. So happy for Coach Taylor. Congrats Okst

[@jHoveland]

GILLMAN coaching at OkState is such a crazy thought

[@mrslaneful]

They will love him as much as they hated him!

[@kalebstuckey570]

Makes my skin crawl just thinking about it.

[@user-vy1vh5xr5n]

Love Gillman

[@Double_deuce22]

I am lifelong Okie State wrestling fan. I wrestled Mark Smith growing up. I went to Okie State wrestling camps. It pains me to say it but this was the right choice. To beat PSU you have to become PSU. That is the reality. PSU is beyond a dynasty at this point.

[@kalebstuckey570]

I don’t buy it. No self-respecting Oklahoma State fan would ever use the term “Okie State.”

[@lateam757]

@@kalebstuckey570yea they would.

[@Double_deuce22]

@@kalebstuckey570 ok. Sure buddy. Perhaps I should say Pokes. Would that appease you? Or better yet, I bet if I said Boomer you would say Sooner. That explains it.

[@kalebstuckey570]

@@Double_deuce22 I would not. But I do have enough respect for my alma mater not to refer to it as “Okie State” like some trailer trash.

[@dinocollins720]

@@kalebstuckey570 you're funny haha

[@Vincentovich89]

I am so insanely psyched that DT reconsidered. Next FRL episode 1,026 gonna be epic! Bring Ben back for 1 more episode!

[@dramaking9377]

You lied to me yesterday Pyles!😅

[@kristopherwilson506]

right haha

[@ericb.davenport9762]

Excellent commentary. A lot of information here. Thank you.

[@steinervision7643]

Magic Man will bring a seismic shift to OKST! One person can make all the difference, look what Cael did for PSU.

[@smoore8]

If he brings Gilman or Dake that would be an insane staff

[@williamoleary9330]

Dake is going to get his own HC position when he’s ready. I know they’re close, but he’s going to do his own thing

[@bigtimeBGX]

I don’t think either of those guys is a coach… Coaches have a certain personality. Those two are killers, much respect. Coaches are leaders. DT is a coach! This is going to be dope! Snyder-coach, J’den - coach, JB - killer, Dake-killer, yanni-coach, Spenser-coach…

[@djp3525]

Snyder already said he has no interest in coaching. Says he’s too selfish.

[@smoore8]

@@bigtimeBGX I agree on Yanni. Dake is a killer, but I think he will be a coach

[@williamoleary9330]

@@djp3525 Snyder wants to compete into his 40’s he said so he’s not coaching anytime soon🤣

[@shawnhardy8979]

Great piece , great information 👍

[@erikj.nuveenmddmd6557]

Absolutely the best news in years to come to OKST.

[@acwright]

Now we need a PSU v OKST match every year

[@michaelscott33]

I am beyond excited for David Taylor and the Oklahoma State wrestling program. I’ve been a lifelong OSU Cowboy wrestling fan and it will be quite a change to get used to seeing DT in the corner in place of John Smith. I have friends who are coaching on that staff, Chris Perry and Gary Wayne Harding. I know both will do well wherever they go, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.

[@mspionage1743]

He will be able to absolutely compete with Cael for national top recruits. Pretty crazy.

[@djp3525]

Maybe Ringer as an assistant coach?

[@jpbernie72]

That would be cool.

[@SNOOZAY]

Alirez and Hendrickson are both coming too. I’m calling it rn.

[@dinocollins720]

would be dope!!! But, I have a hard time believing Wyatt doesn't go to Michigan

[@SNOOZAY]

@@dinocollins720 I TOLD YOU!

[@dinocollins720]

@@SNOOZAY you nailed it bro 👍

[@SNOOZAY]

@@dinocollins720 Thanks bro

[@ThanksStJoseph]

I do feel for Coleman. Gave up his head coaching position in hopes to end up head coach at his Alma mater. Now what for him?

[@markdhenderson1]

I would like to understand more about the questions/criteria/rationale that a head coach candidate would consider when making a decision like this. In addition to the personal issues, you alluded to 1) budget (What are the budget items), program resources (beyond budget, like support of community and faculty?), 3) what else?

[@Abettergrappler]

Former OSU wrester here. I havent been this excited about the program since i graduated. My biggest complaint about wrestling for John is that it was too old school. Only live goes and we barely went over skill development. Which sucks because when we did those became my best moves.I see Coleman as a younger John and would just do the same thing with some variations here and there. DT was the right pick.

[@user-dl9jp9ti6e]

You are probably 100 percent right. I had an old school coach who basically only did live go’s. Little technique. And he NEVER coached YOUR individual technique. We were tough. But we never improved. Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience.

[@Abettergrappler]

@@user-dl9jp9ti6e Always TOUGH. With 3 moves...

[@LakeNonaFan]

yeah I didn't like the ok state training footage dropped on this channel a little bit before ncaas. Preferred the missouri training footage it was more relaxed and technique based

[@zekegaeta9169]

This is such a good thing for wrestling. I’m glad OSU reached out to DT. Hopefully this will give wrestling the competitive edge we need. I love PSU but they need a legit threat DT can bring it in a few years with the right staff and recruiting

[@guyharris889]

Pyles you whiffed on this one 😊

[@JS45678]

I called it days ago AND Kyle Dake is following him to Oklahoma State, too. ✌️🤠🤚

[@D_Heidtke]

Since Dakes father's passing, I don't think Dake leaves the Happy Valley/State College area...

[@OneManParade]

As an old Big 8 fan. I'm super happy for the Big 12 conference. I think it raises the level of the whole conference. Great news!

[@youarerightboss]

Congratulations, Dave

[@dpc0809]

Absolutely Amazing! One door closes, one door opens. Great for him and great for wrestling! Maybe he can get Jordan Burroughs to coach with him.

[@tomluntz1826]

The big risk is that nobody knows if DT is any good as a coach. But as a high profile move to give the OKState program some pizzazz, it's a total winner.

[@GuyFromSC]

This is absolutely no knock on the great John Smith, but DT is going to bring this program back to excellence. It’s going to be interesting to see how he takes Cael’s approach and uses at OKie State. He’s got major roots down in State College with M2 and his farm but I’m sure he has great people that will help him run that. And think about it, he’s already got one of the best funnels in college wrestling right there in Penn State and he’s going to fill that entire roster up with hammers that’ll make them the second best team in NCAA within 2-3 years max. Book it. Like others have mentioned, this is going to be an easy team to pull for now and I might be their newest biggest fan. 🙏🏼

[@tomb4060]

Funny how it'll take PA wrestlers to make a program great. PA is by far the top wrestling state in the country

[@GuyFromSC]

@@tomb4060 FACTS!!!

[@durrr123]

Am I the only one who felt like DT didn't show up to olympic trials? Not to take anything away from Brooks but it just felt like there's no way Taylor would give that kind of performance if he hadn't already started to move on in his heart

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Even the look in his eyes and mannerisms mat side didn't seem tight

[@michaelscott33]

Yes, it absolutely looked like that wasn’t THE David Taylor. His sense of urgency and command on the mat were gone.

[@user-dl9jp9ti6e]

I think you are right. And probably none of us want to admit it. We didn’t see DT at his best vs Aaron Brooks. But EVERY one of us wrestles our last match. It was probably like you suggested. DT knew of this decision many weeks ago.

[@KingYanoFPS]

It’s hard to maintain your dominance at 33.. Especially with the amount of competition that Dave’s body has dealt with since he was 5 years old.. 10,000s of hours catches up to you

[@Tdinh79]

David is still good enough to be an Olympic Gold medalist, however, Brooks is an absolute stud who knows David’s style. I would assume with his wrestling in and training with him at state college gave him a leg up to beat him. Now, you think David would know Brooks style too, but Brooks was the better man.

[@theriskid]

I floated the idea that Taylor might take over for coach Smith at OSU in a comment a couple weeks ago. Seemed like a golden opportunity for him and I think it will be great for the program, great for the sport.

[@chrisw4192]

Dave definitely deserved this opportunity!!! WE ARE

[@vonhans2631]

What!!!! Wow this will be great move for OSU wrestling.

[@tonyjohnson4269]

M2 was part of the success at PSU if DT doesn’t get someone to run a club as well as DT does here in Pa he will be 2nd behind PSU

[@AntiPattern328]

This is honestly amazing. If anyone wants to leave, I think they're nuts.. I can only think a lot of wrestlers will be trying to get to OK State. They'd be dumb not to Ya, Coleman Scott would be amazing but I think Taylor is an absolutely amazing move 🎉👏🙌👏🎉

[@nathanatwood6743]

This is awesome!

[@DimMakTen31]

David Taylor + Gillman and or Dake in the future at OSU would be incredible

[@LEELEIFESTE]

Unbelievable Hire! Not only that, but he has added Kennedy and Gilman to the staff. Unbelievable staff!

[@D_Heidtke]

Good Luck DT!!!

[@kpath74]

I still rather wrestle for Cael.

[@castrejonhugo]

Pokes want to compete against Nittany Lions, so what better way to right the ship than to get Sanderson 2.0 to join the program. I’m excited to see the rivalry moving forward and to see if DT keeps a local PNL club in OK.

[@justinhampton3544]

Manville to Okie State?

[@marktwained]

As lifelong Oklahoma fella, we welcome winners!

[@billecker4422]

Why can't you believe it? OSU has the greatest tradition in American college wrestling, way more national titles than any other team, but nothing since 2006. Penn State came alive with Sanderson and it is time to bring in Sanderson trained wrestler. Taylor is a sensational pick and Chad Weiberg was thinking out of the box.

[@averygaming8707]

Another thing I’m wondering is how this will affect the NLWC. As it currently stands, the NLWC is practically the OTC. Best room in the world. What senior level athletes will head to Stillwater to train under Olympic Champ David Taylor?

[@MSG2351]

Maybe that room is super congested at this time and with Taylor going away it might spread things out. Not saying that was the plan or anything, but there are a lot of people who’d rather be on the team that beats PSU.

[@redbull9554]

Now OK State will be competitive again!

[@michaelscott33]

They’ve always been competitive…

[@ActuallyNotADoctor]

@@michaelscott33 As a die hard OSU fan and 20' grad, recent history has shown we have not been competitive in terms of the standards we set in the 2000s and the decades prior. After the runner up finish in the 2016 NCAAs, we've been on a steady decline and by my junior/senior year there, students were asking if it is time for Smith to retire. I even heard the people at the church I went to talk about it despite him and his family sitting in the back pews. The Smith family is great, my brother was his ranch hand, and I think he is the GOAT but something HUGE needed to happen in order to compete with Penn State or even to get top 10 after the last couple of years. Competitive compared to other programs in the country? sure, but the people of Oklahoma have been spoiled with a history of previous dominance from both OU and OSU. Nothing against Coleman Scott either, but Taylor was the right guy to bring and make us "competitive" again

[@rooste42r]

Good luck David 👍🏼

[@georgesealy4706]

I am happy for DT since this is what he wants. He is a good person and he will have the interests of his wrestlers in mind. He will help them achieve their goals. Only 10 wrestlers get to be in the starting lineup, just ten. There are lots of quality wrestlers to go around. The other thing is that the lifecycle of college wrestlers is longer than football players. College wrestlers don't get drafted into a professional league. They stay at a school for four and even five years. That means there is not as much turnover. We can see great competition coming into the future, and that is a good thing.

[@hermankepanijr]

Awesome for college wrestling

[@transworldbusinessadvisorsnc]

Some great commentary but one HUGE component was not elaborated upon..... David's faith in Jesus and how this has shaped him as a wrestler, a entrepreneur, coach, husband etc. It is comical to me that no one wants to mention how faith is a huge driving foundation at Penn State, Cael and David Taylor. Great video and wonderful content. I believe DT will do a great job at Ok State.

[@ElMcMeen1a]

Yes, you are so right!!

[@saljablo2767]

Give it a rest

[@vegetaAcheetah]

​​@@saljablo2767seriously. As If that's not already discussed at nauseam in every single damn interview. Look, it's cool if you're all gun-ho about Jesus, it doesn't need to be broadcasted at every single moment of your life. Not even sure what wrestling has to do with religion in the first place. Spirituality is an inner relationship with you and your higher power, keep it there.

[@vegetaAcheetah]

Because it's a huge turn off and i promise you it doesn't need to be discussed more, if anything, significantly less discussion about religion would do the sport better. I know a significant amount of believers that are tired of how much religion is promoted, especially throughout the midwest and overall in collegiate wrestling. I basically mute anytime Brooks, Carr, Parker or O'toole speak at this point. Its completely unnecessary and adds nothing the conversation.

[@1515cando]

I don't know that I've heard DT bible thump. If he does I missed it. Yeah, like hypothetically a god gives a shit which wrestler wins a match. But then there are the Jesus headbands🤔🤷

[@dinocollins720]

Honestly genius move by oklahoma . I'm sad for Scott, but that would just be more of the same. DT will be one of the best recruiters in the nation. He will bring the PSU insights to Oklahoma. Honestly, this is the only hope college wrestling has of competing with PSU in the foreseeable future!

[@shogunjobu]

Yalls just posted he wasnt. Huge news for OSU

[@williamsteele3574]

Guess we know what team will be at Beaver Stadium in the fall

[@barryking7138]

ohio state?

[@user-vy1vh5xr5n]

Not yet! Maybe in 4 years! Money is pouring in at Oklahoma State! Big Oil is behind this shift.

[@michaelokeefe8709]

I don't get it?

[@1515cando]

​@@michaelokeefe8709Starocci teased about selling out Beaver Stadium for a wrestling dual in November.

[@Crunchy_Troll]

I always thought DT would be Cael’s successor I think this is great move for OKSU and for the sport

[@hkchris1]

It’s about recruiting!

[@alexanderednie1205]

Genius move

[@tomb4060]

I'm a PSU fan. From PA. It's great to see that it takes PA wrestlers and those associated with PA to make any program good and competitive. By far the best wrestling state in the country

[@RogerPack]

Big shoes to fill, good luck to him and everybody! Will he still wrestle I wonder?

[@NancyCallahan-tt4pj]

Ed Gallagher was the greatest coach ever --and not a wrestler. He literally wrote the book on wrestling moves.

[@richchristie4977]

Nice! DT can take over the Big12 slop

[@bilbobaggins7095]

Christian with a swing and a miss

[@Ohio98]

Whatever. I'm happy for the content as i commute to work this morning

[@bilbobaggins7095]

@@Ohio98 it's great content it's just funny Christian said he wouldn't take the job

[@bv6377]

​@@bilbobaggins7095 do u have a job

[@bilbobaggins7095]

@@bv6377 yeah Air Traffic Control and wrestling coach

[@skykekona-souza1927]

I thought for sure Coleman Scott was gonna takeover. Great Shake up.

[@jpbernie72]

When one door closes…

[@MadMachoMexican]

Gilman coaching at ok too!!! Craxy coaching team

[@JonIronhorse]

All this overdramatized skepticism is exhausting.

[@Combatspeed]

david taylor isn’t from ISU but he did commit there before PSU

[@WrestleFish]

David Taylor, to this generation, is what Cael was to Taylor's generation. He's going to get the recruits.

[@sylvan47070]

Whether its fair or not, the top programs want Olympic Gold Medalists. Because thats what the top recruits want.

[@climey]

So where does Coleman fit in with this I hope he stays on didn’t he leave unc to ok state cause I was assuming Jon would groom him for head coach

[@user-vy1vh5xr5n]

Love Gillman

[@learning.isnt.linear]

So ... is DT retired competitively? He has not officially announced it.

[@bilbobaggins7095]

If you don't think Cael was telling him he would be crazy not to take the job then you don't understand the leader Cael is and you don't understand growth mindset. This is the difference between Cael and Brands. Spencer Lee let's his dad handle all his business and hides in his room playing pokemon. Cael would never let David be that

[@TimM-wk1zx]

If Kennedy has a firm legal contract with Penn State, how does that split up shake out? Does anyone think that Cael will make changes internally to further protect what he has built and created at Penn State so a potential loss of PENN STATE ppl never happens again? Could DT be taking this job for coaching experience just until Cael retires? Is Brands head imploding right now knowing he has a dogfight on his hands now for probably 3rd or 4th place, and the fact Okie State hired DT at a higher salary than he is currently making ALL WITH NO COACHING EXPERIENCE. Its a great story for wrestling right now, but I don’t think it changes the hierarchy for the foreseeable future in college wrestling.

[@user-kx1ti5ig3r]

Zain goes along

[@RandyLex-wu6jy]

It’s great taylor doesn’t mess around

[@roguephoenix]

what's going to happen to his ranch?

[@user-dl9jp9ti6e]

You are a wrestler. Who would you want being your actual coach more than Dave Taylor? When I was competing it would have been Dave Schultz as my top choice. Today Dave Taylor.

[@spcbaseballvideos7210]

Ummmm, Cael Sanderson maybe

[@paultharp4626]

Funny if this move elevates OKST over Iowa as the solid number 2 program in the country, they're already beside themselves 😅

[@jasonamato3377]

Marcus Blaze to OK St.

[@user-wq7dl8lu3t]

Will Burroughs take over a Nebraska someday?

[@Blivot3]

Whatever is over looking. DT really wants to move to OKST for a better farm

[@williamoleary9330]

Holy…..COW!!

[@ashurany]

Dake takes over M2 🙃

[@rona4399]

Does anyone from Penn State want to come to Minnesota??? Just asking...

[@churchgamefowl4198]

I heard they might be getting Shultz if Hendrickson doesn’t commit. Alirez and Parco are also considering Okie St from inside sources.

[@patrick-okc]

I’m curious why they are recruiting heavyweights in the portal because they have Christian Carroll. Is Carroll not going heavyweight?

[@churchgamefowl4198]

@@patrick-okc I was thinking the same. My guess would be they want a room full of blue chip recruit/transfer where only the best would make the line up.

[@patrick-okc]

Makes sense. Good problem to have. PSU doesn’t hesitate to stack their roster.

[@churchgamefowl4198]

@@patrick-okc I would expect some of wrestlers that can’t crack the PSU line up to follow Taylor.

[@cgmoran91]

​@@patrick-okc I think Carol is dropping to197.He went it at Olympic trials.

[@normanhuntley5747]

Think OSU found a farm for D.T. to bring his farm animals with! D.T. secured his families wealth for life by one decision! Cant blame him one bit! Would have had to commit to another 4 years,chasing another gold medal ! CONGRATS D.T. Scott will get his turn,just b.s. to bring him back for a bitch slap!

[@RandyLex-wu6jy]

It’s good David did not have a close match with brooks you gotta know when your beating a dead horse and he did

[@anthonydelgrosso4818]

Wtf u talking about he was one move away from winning the spot

[@RandyLex-wu6jy]

Honestly nothing crazy about it just life he applied for a job and got it

[@clev1729]

I thought OSU was gonna hire Coleman Scott…

[@michaelscott33]

Coleman Scott was already hired. They just decided against promoting him to HC.

[@giawoodell3996]

Jordan Oliver should be on the staff. ......he's Okie State, Joe Woodell, retired coach.

[@mikeb6826]

It was all about the money!!!

[@aarongibson6819]

why wouldn't it be? Money isn't everything, but it solves alot of problems

[@mikeb6826]

@@aarongibson6819 it’s just interesting that Carl left to psu but it wasn’t about the money. He felt he should go. David probably said set up m2 have my recruiting in Pennsylvania. Show me the money! I feel loyalty is worth its weight in gold. I believe he sold out. But that’s my opinion. And I hope he got a lot and it’s worth it. I give Cael 5 more years and he retires. Let his wrestlers duke out in the next generation.

[@michaelscott33]

You are a fool if you chalk this up to the “money.” Oklahoma State Wrestling is THE premier wrestling university in the United States. Yes, Cael has his dynasty at this time, but it’s not even close when you take into account the historical achievements of OSU. This is a coaching opportunity that opens up once, MAYBE twice in a LIFETIME. This is one of 2 or 3 schools that could potentially retire any wrestling athlete if they ever have a sense for wanting to coach at some point. If he turned this position down and they took Coleman Scott, barring a disastrous result the program would not hire another coach for 20-30 years. PSU isn’t going to hire a new head coach for at least another 30 years. Iowa won’t hire a new head coach for at least 15-20 years. This is a program that is highly regarded and desired by almost ANY wrestling coach or wrestler in the world of collegiate wrestling. Furthermore, David Taylor doesn’t NEED the money. It is likely that he wanted the support of the program in terms of recruiting and building a future in the international space since the cowboy wrestling club has not been in the running since Jordan Oliver made the Olympic team, but failed to qualify the weight class. David Taylor is wanting OSU to commit to supporting the long-term goals and success of the program. No amount of money is going to please David Taylor, he wants results.

[@mikeb6826]

@@michaelscott33 your right Michael. If you worked at a paper company not because of the money but because of the people. I can believe David can do this for the right reasons. However, I believe he did it for money and that’s it. I can have my opinion.

[@danrose3233]

@@mikeb6826 How did he sell out?! There are not enough assistant positions at PSU for every PSU wrestler that wants to get into coaching. Look at how many great coaches were spawned as wrestlers under John Smith.

[@user-rq9ig9bt2t]

This guy is just saying what he thinks happened😂 I thought it was some actual info

[@user-bb8tz2kq7y]

Total 🤡😆🤣😂😅

[@asherrey]

M2 2 on the way.

[@justandrew3599]

2024/2025 NCAA Champions??!? 141 - Andrew alirez 157 - Levi Haines 165 - Dean Hamiti 174 - Tyler kasak 184 - Dustin Plott 197 - Christian Carroll HW - Wyatt Hendrickson

[@clays6218]

transfer window is closed ding dong. PSU wrestlers not jumping this year.

[@gregz1235]

Zach Esposito has left the chat

[@NcaaWrestlingJawn]

This doesn’t make sense…he been had left the chat

[@kalebstuckey570]

Zack was never part of the chat

[@BoredT-Rex]

I wonder how cael Sanderson feels about this...his training is completely exposed

[@StudioStunna28]

Thomas Gilman as a coach would be amazing

[@rooste42r]

Thought you said Taylor turned it down? Maybe don’t say anything until you actually know 😛

[@CharlieB-gs5uk]

Took long enough.

[@angelogonzalez2932]

Nice script 👍🏼

[@deejay6802]

IMO, OSU's lack of success went beyond just Coach Smith. Something wasn't working there. If I'm DT, I clean house. That's the only way his success or failure will be squarely on his shoulders.

[@PUBLICnoose]

Yeah it has to be an organizational stagnation that needs a shake up and boost

[@user-dl9jp9ti6e]

Yes! You are exactly right. ALWAYS clean house if you are hired to fix/improve.

[@danrose3233]

It will happen. It is especially true when selecting the head coach from outside.

[@birdman9043]

You are right