Ryan Lochte’s girlfriend reacts to surprise $34-per-hour Missouri State coaching move

Ryan Lochte has those closest to him in his corner as he takes on a new career venture.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist announced he has joined the Missouri State swim program’s coaching staff to serve as an assistant to head coach Dave Collins.

Lochte’s girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, showed her support on his Instagram post.

Ryan Lochte with girlfriend Molly Gillihan. Instagram @mollygilli

“Love you. I am beyond, beyond proud of you. This is what you were made to do!!! Congrats my lovie!” Gillihan wrote.

Lochte, 41, will begin his new position later this summer after his contract is officially approved by Missouri State’s board of governors in June.

According to Front Office Sports, Lochte’s contract is for $30,000 a year plus potential bonuses, with the value breaking down to $34.10 an hour, which falls in line with what swim team assistants Anna Miller and Lee Smothers have made. 

Lochte and Gillihan created a blended family at the start of this year, each bringing in three kids from a previous marriage.

However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing in navigating the new relationship.

The couple, who celebrated their one-year anniversary April 10, have been involved in a social media feud with Lochte’s ex-wife, Kayla Rae Reid.

It all sparked from an alleged email the American swimmer sent to Reid, who filed for divorce in March of 2025, saying Gillihan is a “ten times better mother.”

“Look at the offer I just sent to your lawyer and move on with your gold digging life,” Lochte allegedly added.

Reid responded with screenshots of the email on her Instagram story. She called the situation “the tip of the iceberg.”

“This is after I checked in on our 2 year old with strep throat,” Reid wrote above the email. “This is the tip of the iceberg and I am exhausted. My heart goes out to anyone navigating a similar situation. Tired of being continuously disrespected behind closed doors. Literally 2/1000 messages.”

Ryan Lochte and Molly Gillihan on a vacation together in April. Instagram @mollygilli

Gillihan lashed out at Reid afterwards, calling her a “child” for her “false narrative.”

It’s not the first time the former couple has lashed out at one another.

Since the split, Reid has hinted at a “betrayal” and that Lochte did drugs in front of their children.

The couple shares a son, Caiden, and two daughters, Liv and Georgia.