Big trouble at Ohio State as head coach has major encounter with the law
Ohio State University is facing a significant controversy as Kevin McGuff, the head coach of its women’s basketball team, has been arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), the equivalent of a DUI in Ohio. The incident occurred on May 6, 2025, in Dublin, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. This development has cast a shadow over the university’s athletic department and raised questions about McGuff’s future with the program.
The Incident
According to reports from the Dublin Police Department, officers responded to calls about a vehicle driving erratically and striking curbs. Upon arrival, they found McGuff’s Toyota SUV partially parked on his front lawn. Body cam footage released by the police shows McGuff struggling with sobriety tests, giving inconsistent statements, and ultimately being handcuffed. He refused to provide a breath sample and was taken into custody, later released into his wife’s care.
Legal Proceedings
McGuff, 55, has been charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for operating a vehicle while impaired. His attorney, Richard Piatt, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and emphasized that some reported details may be inaccurate. Piatt urged that McGuff, like anyone accused of an offense, is entitled to a resolution based on the facts.
Impact on Ohio State Athletics
Kevin McGuff has been a prominent figure in Ohio State’s athletic department since 2013, leading the women’s basketball team to eight NCAA Tournament appearances and securing a Big Ten title in the 2023-2024 season. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2024.
The university has acknowledged the incident and stated that it is in communication with McGuff while monitoring the situation. Given the severity of the charge and the public nature of the incident, there is speculation about potential disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal, especially considering the university’s contractual clauses related to misconduct.
Potential Successors
Should Ohio State decide to part ways with McGuff, one potential internal candidate for the head coaching position is Katie Smith. Smith, a celebrated former Buckeye and experienced coach from the WNBA, brings a strong coaching background and familiarity with the program. Her appointment could provide continuity and stability during a tumultuous period.
Broader Implications
This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Ohio State’s athletic department in recent years. Notably, former football coach Urban Meyer was suspended in 2018 for mishandling domestic assault allegations against an assistant coach. These events underscore the importance of accountability and adherence to ethical standards within collegiate athletics.
Kevin McGuff’s arrest for operating a vehicle while impaired has significant ramifications for Ohio State University. As legal proceedings unfold, the university must navigate the complexities of addressing misconduct while maintaining the integrity of its athletic programs. The situation serves as a reminder of the responsibilities held by those in leadership positions and the impact of their actions on the broader community.
