Home / Sports / Ohio U Fires Coach Smith Amid Misconduct Claims
Ohio U Fires Coach Smith Amid Misconduct Claims
17 Dec
Summary
- Ohio University fired coach Brian Smith for serious professional misconduct.
- Smith was placed on indefinite leave on Dec. 1 before termination.
- Defensive coordinator John Hauser will be interim coach for the Frisco Bowl.
Ohio University has officially fired head football coach Brian Smith, citing "serious professional misconduct" as the reason for his termination. The 45-year-old coach had been on an indefinite leave of absence since December 1st. The university's administrative review concluded that Smith engaged in activities unbecoming of his position and that reflected poorly on the institution.
Smith was appointed head coach on December 18, 2024. Prior to that, he served in various roles for the Bobcats, including running backs coach, passing game coordinator, associate head coach, and offensive coordinator. Under his leadership this past season, the team achieved a 9-4 record, notably securing a win in the Cure Bowl and defeating West Virginia 17-10.
As the university begins its search for a new permanent head coach, defensive coordinator John Hauser has been appointed interim coach. Hauser will lead the team in the upcoming Frisco Bowl, scheduled for December 23rd, where they will face UNLV.
