Sports

Ohio University has fired Head Football Coach Brian Smith “for cause”

By: WOUB News Team
Posted on: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio University has terminated the contract of 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 university said in a press release Wednesday.

The university did not specify in the release what the misconduct and activities were.

On Dec. 1, the university had announced Smith was on leave of an undetermined period of time and defensive coordinator John Hauser was named the team’s interim head coach. They did not release a reason for the move at the time.

According to Brian Smith’s attorney, Smith was asked to leave in the middle of the workday on Dec. 1. His attorney claims he was not given any information as to why he was being put on leave.

Smith’s attorney at the time said they deny all wrongdoing and will fight any allegations brought against him.

According to court documents now under seal, Brian Smith’s divorce case was not directly tied to his leave at Ohio University.

“Nothing Plaintiff has alleged is the cause of (Smith’s) current situation at Ohio university, where he has been placed on interim leave,” the filling read. The Plaintiff also claims in the filing they do not know what the cause of his leave is.

Interim head coach John Hauser will continue to lead Ohio University football as the Bobcats take on the University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Tuesday, December 23.

The university said a search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately.

 

This is a breaking story and any additional information will be added as it comes in.