Ryan Lochte, one of the most decorated Olympians of all time, is heading back to college for a new gig that will pay him $34.10 an hour. The 41-year-old has been hired by Missouri State’s swim program as its newest assistant coach. “It’s about more than times and results. It’s about helping young men and women build discipline, resilience, and confidence that will carry them far beyond the pool,” the eight-time gold medalist said in an interview about the new job. He’ll be working under head coach Dave Collins, earning $30,000 a year plus bonuses. His contract, first reported by Front Office Sports, gives him $750 for any Missouri Valley Conference championship wins and a $500 bonus for each NCAA Championship individual or relay team qualifier. Lochte has been in and out of controversy for years before taking on his new job. He was first criticized after lying about being robbed at gunpoint during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, which led to a 10-month suspension by USA Swimming. He was suspended again for 14 months after a 2018 incident in which he was accused by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency of receiving an IV to inject vitamins that exceeded the amount allowed for competitors. Lochte and his wife of seven years, Kayla Rae Reid, filed for divorce in March 2025 amid public feuds between Reid and Lochte’s new girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, and suggestions that the former couple is more than $270,000 in debt.
