Ohio University fires head football coach for 'serious professional misconduct'

Ohio Bobcats

Ohio University fires head football coach for 'serious professional misconduct'

Brian Smith, who signed a 5-year deal before start of 2025 season, denies wrongdoing

Scott Thompson Fox News

Published

December 17, 2025 5:08pm EST

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Ohio University announced on Wednesday they have terminated head football coach Brian Smith for cause.

"The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University," the school said in a statement.

The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach with the team is scheduled to face the UNLV Rebels in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.

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Head coach Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats arrives at Ohio Stadium prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 13, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

"A search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately," the statement concluded.

It’s unknown what "serious professional misconduct" Smith allegedly engaged in, but his attorney, Rex Elliott, denied any wrongdoing.

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"We vigorously dispute Ohio University’s grounds for the termination for case of Coach Brian Smith," Elliott said in a statement, per ESPN. "He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name.

"Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches, and the entire Bobcat community."

Head coach Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats watches a replay during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Smith and the Bobcats went 8-4 in his first regular season as Ohio’s head coach. He was placed on leave on Dec. 1 for undisclosed reasons.

Smith was the team’s offensive coordinator last season before he was promoted to interim head coach following Tim Albin’s decision to head to Charlotte. The 45-year-old Smith received a five-year contract to remain the Bobcats’ head coach through the 2029 season.

But, having been fired by the university for cause, Smith is not owed about $2.5 million in remaining salary.

Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Aug. 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

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Smith’s coaching career before Ohio involved stops with Washington State and Hawai’i. He also played at Hawai’i as an offensive lineman and long snapper.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Ohio University fires head football coach for 'serious professional misconduct'