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Ohio University announced Wednesday that it has terminated head football coach Brian Smith for cause.
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment contract by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University,” the school said in a statement.
The Bobcats have named defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach of the team set to face the UNLV Rebels in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.
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Head coach Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats arrives at Ohio Stadium before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
“The search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the statement concluded.
It is unclear what “serious professional misconduct” Smith allegedly committed, but his lawyer, Rex Elliott, has denied any wrongdoing.
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“We vigorously contest Ohio University’s grounds for termination in the case of Coach Brian Smith,” Elliott said in a statement, according to ESPN. “He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this unfair dismissal to protect his reputation.
“Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He only wants the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community.”
Head coach Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats watches a replay during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Smith and the Bobcats went 8-4 in his first regular season as Ohio’s head coach. He was placed on leave on December 1 for undisclosed reasons.
Smith was the team’s offensive coordinator last season before being promoted to interim head coach following Tim Albin’s decision to go to Charlotte. Smith, 45, received a five-year contract to remain the Bobcats’ head coach through the 2029 season.
But, having been terminated by the university for cause, Smith is not entitled to approximately $2.5 million in remaining salary.
Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on August 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
Smith’s coaching career before Ohio involved stops at Washington State and Hawaii. He also played at Hawaii as an offensive lineman and long snapper.
