Ohio Fires Coach Brian Smith, Alleging ‘Serious Professional Misconduct’

Ohio has fired coach Brian Smith amid allegations of "serious professional misconduct," it announced Wednesday afternoon.

“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the university,” the Bobcats said in a statement; they noted that John Hauser will continue to serve as interim coach. Smith has been on administrative leave since the beginning of December.

Ohio is scheduled to play UNLV in the Frisco Bowl next Tuesday.

The Athletic reported Wednesday evening that Smith violated a provision in his contract on “alcohol and other drugs,” and that he had acknowledged storing and consuming alcohol in his office during work hours. In a letter detailing a meeting with Smith, Ohio University director of employee experience Suzanne Durst wrote that Smith also confirmed that “on occasion, a few assistant coaches, all over the age of 21, joined him privately in his office after games for a single drink of bourbon.” Smith reportedly denies that he ever worked while under the influence and that drinks consumed on the job never impacted his job performance.

On Thursday, via public records request, Cam Robertson of the Athens Messenger reported that the university accused Smith of carrying on an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student.

Smith went 9–4 in parts of two seasons with the Bobcats, where he had worked since 2022. He replaced Tim Albin last season when the latter left Ohio to become Charlotte’s coach.

“A search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the Bobcats said to conclude their statement.

Smith's attorney disputed the Bobcats’ version of events, and said via Justin Williams of The Athletic they intended “to fight this wrongful termination.”

Ohio's next coach will be its third in three years after a combined 19 years of Frank Solich and Albin at the helm.

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