Ohio University Fires Football Coach Over Contract Violations, Including Extramarital Affair

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Ohio University has terminated the contract of its head football coach, Brian Smith, due to multiple violations of his employment agreement. According to records obtained by The Associated Press, the reasons for Smith's termination include an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student and alcohol-related misconduct. The university had initially placed Smith on indefinite leave on December 1, and subsequently fired him on December 12, citing 'serious professional misconduct' and 'activities that reflect unfavorably' on the institution. The details of the termination were contained in a notice of intent to terminate, which also included a response from Smith's attorney. The records show that Smith had an extramarital affair with a student, which the university deemed was a cause for termination due to the potential harm it could bring to the institution's reputation. Smith's attorney disputed this characterization, stating that the relationship was consensual and did not violate any university policies. The attorney also disputed the claim that Smith was reprimanded for repeated use of alcohol in his office, arguing that the reprimand was related to a victory toast with his staff. Smith's attorney noted that they were open to avoiding a public battle and working towards a mutually beneficial departure. Smith was hired as head coach in December 2024, after serving as running backs coach and passing game coordinator in 2022. He led the team to a 9-4 record, including a win in the Cure Bowl and a victory over West Virginia this season. Defensive coordinator John Hauser will serve as interim coach for the Frisco Bowl, and the search for a permanent coach is underway.