Ohio University has dismissed its head football coach, Brian Smith, for multiple breaches of his contract, including engaging in an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student and alcohol-related misconduct.
University Details Grounds for Dismissal
Records obtained by the Associated Press reveal the university sent a formal notice of intent to terminate Smith's contract on 12 December. The school had placed the 45-year-old coach on indefinite leave on 1 December.
The notice, sent by university president Lori Stewart Gonzalez, stated Smith was being fired for "serious professional misconduct" that reflected unfavourably on the institution. Specific reasons included "participation in extramarital affairs" and "alcohol-related conduct".
Regarding the affair, the university argued it brought the coach into "public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule". The alcohol-related complaints involved Smith allegedly smelling strongly of alcohol and appearing intoxicated at a public event, as well as repeated alcohol use in his office.
Coach's Legal Team Vigorously Disputes Allegations
Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, responded to the allegations in a letter dated 16 December. He vigorously contested the grounds for a "for cause" termination.
Elliott argued that Smith's divorce proceedings were already underway before he began dating, and that his ex-wife had not accused him of an affair. He stated Smith met the woman at an establishment in Athens and did not know she was a student at the time. The relationship lasted nearly four months.
"This was a perfectly appropriate consensual adult relationship that did not violate any OU rule or policy," Elliott wrote, noting the student was not affiliated with the football programme.
Concerning the office alcohol reprimand, Elliott claimed it stemmed from a victory toast with his staff after home games. He asserted the bourbon was provided by the university president's husband and that a single celebratory drink did not justify dismissal.
Fallout and Search for a New Coach
Despite the dispute, Elliott indicated in his letter a willingness to negotiate a mutual departure to avoid a public battle and protect both parties.
Smith was named head coach on 18 December 2024, after Tim Albin's departure. He led the Ohio Bobcats to a 9-4 record, including a Cure Bowl victory last year and a win over West Virginia this season.
Defensive coordinator John Hauser will serve as interim coach for the upcoming Frisco Bowl against UNLV on 23 December. The university has now begun its search for a permanent replacement.
