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Ohio University’s dismissal for cause involving football coach Brian Smith allegedly involved a violation of the school’s policy related to “alcohol and other drugs.”
Smith’s personnel file with the university was obtained by The Athletic, which stated that 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 had a Nov. 24 letter detailing the meeting, where Smith allegedly acknowledged storing alcohol in his desk drawer, while also admitting to consuming alcohol in his office during business 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 said Smith acknowledged that “on occasion, some assistant coaches, all over the age of 21, would meet with him privately in his office after games for a shot 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, while in the workplace or on university vehicles and equipment and while on duty.”
UNIVERSITY OF OHIO FIRES FOOTBALL COACH FOR ‘SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT’
Smith added that he and the others who were allegedly involved were never under the influence, and insisted that alcohol did not affect their performance.
“He further acknowledged that he was initially unfamiliar with the policy, but now understands its requirements,” a letter from Larscheid read as a formal reprimand, according to The Athletic. “You affirmed your commitment to comply with university policy in the future and acknowledged that consuming or storing alcohol on university property is strictly prohibited.”
In a statement issued by Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, on Wednesday, he said they “vigorously dispute Ohio University’s reasons for the dismissal 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 being placed on paid administrative leave from your position as head men’s soccer coach, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct and possible violations of university policy and your employment contract,” a Dec. 1 letter reads, confirming that Elliott was placed on leave, 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 good name. Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done exemplary work for the University. He wants nothing but 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 replacing Tim Albin last year after he moved to Charlotte.
The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach and the team is scheduled to face the UNLV Rebels in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on December 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 dismissal follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and engaging in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University,” the school said in its statement on the matter.
“The search for a permanent coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the statement concludes.
