Swimming legend Ryan Lochte named to Missouri State coaching staff

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th May, 10:42 2026

Jun 17, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Ryan Lochte swims in the Men s 200m Individual Medley Semifinals Heat 1 during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Swimming competition at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

Ryan Lochte, winner of 12 Olympic swimming medals, is joining the coaching staff at Missouri State.

His official hiring as an assistant coach for the men's and women's teams at the school is pending formal approval by the university board of governors at its June meeting.

Lochte, 41, competed in four Olympics, beginning in Athens in 2004. In all, Lochte won six gold medals, three silver and three bronze.

His 12 medals are tied for third among U.S. Olympic swimmers with Jenny Thompson. They trail only Michael Phelps (28) and Katie Ledecky (14).

"Beyond his lengthy list of accomplishments as an athlete, Ryan has a work ethic that will translate very well on deck as a coach," head coach Dave Collins said in a news release. "When you have the opportunity to bring in one of the best ever in our sport, you do everything you can to make it happen."

Front Office Sports reported Lochte agreed to a 10-month contract that begins in August and runs through June 2027. He will earn an estimated $30,000, which the outlet said translates to about $34 an hour.

"This opportunity (at Missouri State) means everything to me," Lochte said. "Swimming gave me structure, purpose, and a platform to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. To now step into a coaching role and pour that experience back into student-athletes is something I take seriously."

--Field Level Media

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