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Ohio University’s for-cause termination involving head football coach Brian Smith reportedly involved a violation of the school’s “alcohol and other drugs” policy.
Smith’s personnel file at the university was obtained by The Athletic, which said he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and other administrators on Nov. 24 to discuss an allegation that Smith violated not only school policy but also his contract.
The file contained a Nov. 24 letter detailing the meeting, during which Smith allegedly admitted to storing alcohol in his desk drawer, while also admitting to consuming alcohol in his office during office hours.
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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)
The letter also states that Smith acknowledges “on occasion, a few assistant coaches, all over the age of 21, would join him privately in his office after games for a single glass of bourbon.”
According to Ohio University Employee Policy 41.133, it is prohibited to “use, possess, manufacture or distribute drugs and/or alcohol, or be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, in the workplace or on University vehicles and equipment and while on duty.”
UNIVERSITY OF OHIO FIRES HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR “SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT”
Smith added that he and others allegedly involved were never under the influence, while insisting that alcohol did not affect his performance.
“You further acknowledged that you were initially unfamiliar with the policy, but now understand its requirements,” read a letter from Larscheid as a formal reprimand, according to The Athletic. “You have affirmed your commitment to comply with university policy in the future and have acknowledged that consuming or storing alcohol on university property is strictly prohibited.”
In a statement released Wednesday by Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, he said they “vigorously contest Ohio University’s stated reasons for the termination for cause.”
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 had been on administrative leave since December 1.
“At the request of your department, you are placed on paid administrative leave from your position as head men’s soccer coach, pending the outcome of an investigation regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct and possible violations of university policy and your employment contract,” read a Dec. 1 letter, confirming Elliott’s leave of absence, according to The Athletic.
“He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his reputation. Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He wants only the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community,” Elliott’s statement read.
Smith, 45, led the Bobcats to an 8-4 record in his first season as full-time head coach after taking over for Tim Albin last year after joining Charlotte.
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.
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 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 its statement on the matter.
“The search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the statement concluded.
