Overview
- Ohio promoted interim head coach and defensive coordinator John Hauser to the full-time role on Dec. 26.
- Hauser took over after Brian Smith was placed on leave and fired for cause for what the university described as serious professional misconduct.
- He led a 17-10 victory over UNLV in the Frisco Bowl, marking the Bobcats’ seventh consecutive bowl win.
- Ohio’s defense this season allowed 295.2 yards per game (eighth in FBS) and 17.46 points per game (11th nationally).
- The 45-year-old becomes the program’s 31st head coach, earning his first college head role after joining in 2022 and becoming the school’s third straight internal hire.