Overview
- Ohio has not disclosed a reason since announcing on Dec. 1 that first-year head coach Brian Smith was placed on paid leave for an undetermined period.
- Smith’s attorney says he was told to leave in the middle of the workday without explanation, that no allegations or charges exist, and that he denies wrongdoing.
- Smith’s contract ties a roughly $2.5 million buyout to a Dec. 1 trigger, a timing that reporters note has raised questions about the university’s financial and legal posture.
- A Dec. 3 filing in Smith’s divorce case stated his ex-wife’s allegations are not the cause of his leave, and Athens Police say they have no reports involving him.
- Defensive coordinator John Hauser is serving as interim head coach as Ohio prepares to face UNLV in the Dec. 23 Frisco Bowl following an 8–4 season.