Overview
- Ohio terminated Smith on Dec. 17 following an internal review, days after placing him on leave Dec. 1 and issuing a Dec. 12 notice of intent to fire.
- Documents obtained by media say the university cited an extramarital relationship with an undergraduate and alleged alcohol‑related incidents, including a public appearance where he seemed intoxicated.
- Records also show a Nov. 24 reprimand after Smith acknowledged storing bourbon in his office and occasional postgame toasts with assistants.
- Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, disputes the for‑cause firing, calling the relationship consensual, noting no written ban on employee‑student dating, and signaling plans to fight the dismissal.
- Defensive coordinator John Hauser remains interim head coach and will lead Ohio against UNLV in the Dec. 23 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl as the school begins its head‑coach search.