Kevin McGuff, the coach of Ohio State women’s basketball, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday following his indictment for driving while intoxicated in Dublin.

Kevin McGuff, the respected head coach of the Ohio State University women’s basketball team, entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday following his indictment on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI). The incident, which occurred in the Dublin area, has sent ripples through the Ohio State athletics community and raised important questions about legal accountability, coaching responsibilities, and the potential ramifications for the Buckeyes’ program.

On the evening of May 10, 2025, Kevin McGuff was reportedly stopped by Dublin police officers during a routine traffic check. According to the arrest report, law enforcement suspected McGuff of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were administered, and subsequently, McGuff was taken into custody on charges related to driving while intoxicated.

A grand jury convened earlier this month to review the case, ultimately issuing a formal indictment on charges that could carry serious penalties under Ohio state law. The indictment marks the formal beginning of criminal proceedings and confirms that the prosecution believes there is enough evidence to pursue a trial.

McGuff’s arraignment took place in the Franklin County Municipal Court on Tuesday, where his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The next steps in the legal process will involve pretrial hearings and possible plea negotiations, but if the case goes to trial, McGuff will face the burden of defending himself against the allegations.

In Ohio, driving while intoxicated is a serious offense governed primarily under Ohio Revised Code 4511.19. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. If a driver is found operating a vehicle with a BAC at or above this threshold, or is otherwise impaired by alcohol or drugs, they can be charged with a DWI.

Penalties vary depending on factors such as prior convictions, BAC level, and whether the offense involved injury or property damage. First-time offenders typically face:

* Fines up to \$1,000
* Possible jail time up to six months
* Suspension of driver’s license for up to one year
* Mandatory attendance in an alcohol education program

More severe penalties apply for repeat offenses or if the DWI resulted in harm. Given McGuff’s status as a public figure and university employee, this indictment may carry additional social and professional consequences beyond legal penalties.

Kevin McGuff has been a prominent figure in women’s college basketball for nearly two decades. Before taking over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2013, he led successful programs at Xavier University and the University of Washington. Known for his strategic acumen, McGuff has consistently guided teams to NCAA Tournament appearances and cultivated a culture of competitiveness and academic integrity.

At Ohio State, McGuff has been credited with developing a resilient and skilled roster. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have been perennial contenders in the Big Ten Conference, attracting top recruits and fostering professional-level talent. His approach emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and off-court character, earning respect from players, colleagues, and fans alike.

The indictment thus represents a significant challenge to his reputation. While McGuff has not been convicted and maintains his innocence, the allegations have inevitably sparked conversations about leadership, accountability, and the pressures faced by high-profile coaches.

The news of McGuff’s indictment quickly made headlines and elicited varied responses from the Ohio State community:

* **University Administration:** Ohio State officials issued a brief statement emphasizing their commitment to due process and the presumption of innocence. The university affirmed that it would cooperate fully with legal proceedings and evaluate any impact on McGuff’s employment as the case progresses.

* **Athletic Department:** Athletic Director Joe Albers expressed support for McGuff while noting the seriousness of the charges. “Kevin is a valued member of our Buckeye family. We trust the legal process and will continue to support him as he navigates these challenges,” Albers said in a press release.

* **Players and Staff:** Several members of the women’s basketball team voiced their continued confidence in Coach McGuff. Team captain Morgan Ellis said, “We believe in Coach and know this situation doesn’t define who he is. Our focus remains on basketball and representing Ohio State with pride.”

* **Fans and Public:** Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans rallying behind McGuff and others expressing disappointment or concern. Discussions highlight the broader societal intolerance for impaired driving and the expectation that public figures model responsible behavior.

While the legal case unfolds, the DWI charge presents multiple potential consequences:

If convicted, McGuff could face fines, license suspension, and possibly jail time. These penalties could affect his personal and professional life, including his ability to travel for recruiting or games.

Moreover, Ohio State’s athletic department may face pressure to impose internal disciplinary measures, which could range from suspension to termination, depending on the case’s outcome and university policies.

Coaches play a vital role in shaping team morale and attracting top talent. Public legal troubles involving McGuff may create distractions or diminish the program’s appeal to recruits and their families concerned about stability.

However, the players’ public statements of support suggest strong internal cohesion, which could help the team weather this storm. Much will depend on how the situation evolves and how McGuff handles the issue publicly and privately.

The incident also raises broader questions about how universities and athletic programs address off-field conduct by staff. Universities increasingly recognize the importance of character and behavior in their hiring and retention decisions.

Ohio State’s response may set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future, balancing fairness with accountability and community standards.

The case will likely move through pretrial motions and discovery phases over the coming weeks. Defense attorneys may challenge the evidence, including the circumstances of the traffic stop and sobriety tests.

Potential plea deals could be negotiated, depending on factors such as McGuff’s criminal history and willingness to engage in rehabilitation programs.

McGuff and Ohio State’s communications teams face the delicate task of managing public perception. Transparent, measured updates will be crucial to maintaining trust while respecting legal confidentiality.

With the NCAA season off-season underway, McGuff’s leadership during this period will be closely watched. The team’s performance in upcoming tournaments and recruiting cycles may be influenced by how effectively distractions are minimized.

Kevin McGuff’s not guilty plea on a DWI charge marks a pivotal moment for the Ohio State women’s basketball program and the coach himself. The case underscores the challenges faced by public figures navigating legal troubles and the complex interplay between personal conduct and professional responsibilities.

While the outcome of the legal proceedings remains uncertain, the situation has already sparked important conversations about accountability, leadership, and the role of universities in supporting and disciplining their staff. Ohio State’s handling of the matter will likely serve as a reference point for similar cases in collegiate athletics.

For now, McGuff’s focus must be on preparing his defense and maintaining the trust of his players and university. The Buckeyes and their fans will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice while preserving the integrity of a storied basketball program.