Overview
- Ohio terminated Brian Smith’s contract for cause after an administrative review that cited serious professional misconduct and activities reflecting unfavorably on the university, without detailing the allegations.
- According to personnel records obtained by The Athletic, Smith acknowledged storing and consuming alcohol in his office during business hours and sharing occasional postgame drinks with assistants, which would violate Ohio’s workplace alcohol policy.
- Smith was placed on administrative leave on Dec. 1; defensive coordinator John Hauser remains interim head coach and will lead the Bobcats against UNLV in the Dec. 23 Frisco Bowl as the school begins a national search.
- Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, said they vigorously dispute the grounds for termination and plan to challenge the firing to protect Smith’s reputation.
- Contract reporting indicates Ohio would have owed roughly $2.5 million if Smith were dismissed without cause before a Dec. 1 deadline, a date that coincided with his placement on leave.