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Ohio University announced Wednesday that it has fired football coach Brian Smith for cause.
“The dismissal 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 school said in a statement.
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.
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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 coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the statement concludes.
It is unknown what “serious professional misconduct” Smith allegedly incurred, but his lawyer, Rex Elliott, denied any wrongdoing.
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“We vigorously dispute Ohio University’s reasons for the dismissal 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 wrongful dismissal to protect his good name.
“Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He wants nothing but 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 head to Charlotte. Smith, 45, received a five-year contract to remain the Bobcats’ head coach through the 2029 season.
But, having been fired by the university for cause, Smith is not owed about $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 included stops at Washington State and Hawai’i. He also played at Hawai’i as an offensive lineman and long snapper.
