Ohio Football Coach Brian Smith Fired Amid Scandal Before Bowl Game

Ohio University has fired first-year football coach Brian Smith amid allegations of serious professional misconduct. The school placed Smith on leave earlier this month and has now confirmed his termination was due to alleged extramarital affairs, including one with a graduate student, and for consuming alcohol on the job.

University president Lori Stewart Gonzalez stated in the termination letter that Smith brought 'disrepute, scandal and ridicule' to the school, citing his inappropriate conduct at the Ohio University Inn and his appearance while intoxicated at public events.

Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, has vehemently disputed the university's claims, asserting that Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job and plans to fight the dismissal to protect his reputation.

Defensive coordinator John Hauser has been appointed as the interim head coach as the team prepares for their bowl game against UNLV on December 23, 2023. Smith, who had previously been the offensive coordinator at Hawaii and Washington State, was promoted to head coach following Tim Albin's departure, and he led the team to a 9-4 record over parts of two seasons.