Ohio University terminated the contract of Head Football Coach Brian Smith on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, citing multiple violations of his employment agreement. The university's decision followed an administrative review that found Smith engaged in "serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University". Smith had been placed on indefinite leave on December 1, 2025, while the review was conducted.
While the university's initial statement lacked specific details, records obtained by the Associated Press through a public records request revealed the reasons behind the termination. According to the notice of intent to terminate, sent to Smith and his attorney Rex Elliott on December 12 by University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, the violations included "participation in extramarital affairs" and "alcohol-related conduct". The notice stated that Smith allegedly participated in a public event where he smelled strongly of alcohol and "were intoxicated in your demeanor". The university argued that the extramarital affairs brought the coach into "public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule," constituting grounds for termination.
Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, responded to the university on December 16, disputing the allegations. Regarding the extramarital affair, Elliott stated that divorce proceedings were underway before Smith began dating anyone and that his "ex-wife didn't accuse him of engaging in an extramarital affair". He added that Smith was unaware that the woman was a university student when they met and that their relationship lasted nearly four months. Elliott also claimed that the student was not a staff member in the football program or athletic department and that "no one at OU expressed any concern about the relationship while it was ongoing".
Furthermore, The Athletic reported that Smith violated a provision in his contract related to "alcohol and other drugs". The report stated that Smith acknowledged storing and consuming alcohol in his office during work hours and that on occasion, a few assistant coaches over the age of 21 joined him for a single drink of bourbon after games. Smith, however, denies ever working under the influence and maintains that any alcohol consumption did not impact his job performance.
Brian Smith was appointed head coach on December 18, 2024, after Tim Albin's departure to Charlotte. Smith previously served as the team's running backs coach and passing game coordinator in 2022, later becoming associate head coach in 2023 and offensive coordinator in 2024. During his tenure, the Bobcats achieved a 9-4 record, including a victory in the Cure Bowl against Jacksonville State and a 17-10 win over West Virginia this season.
Defensive coordinator John Hauser has been named interim head coach and will lead the team in the upcoming Frisco Bowl against UNLV on December 23. The university has announced that a search for a permanent head coach will begin immediately. Smith's attorney has stated that they intend to "fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name," describing Smith as an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University.
