Ohio University has terminated the contract of its head football coach, Brian Smith, citing serious professional misconduct including an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student and alcohol-related incidents. The university announced the dismissal for cause on Wednesday following an administrative review.
University Details Allegations in Termination Notice
Specific details of the allegations, which were initially withheld, emerged on Thursday in documents obtained by The Associated Press. University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez sent a formal notice of intent to terminate Smith's contract on 12 December.
The notice outlined two primary grounds for dismissal. The first was "participation in extramarital affairs," which the university stated brought the coach into "public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule." The second was "alcohol-related conduct."
This included an incident where Smith allegedly participated in a public event smelling strongly of alcohol and appeared "intoxicated in your demeanour," according to the records. The university's letter also cited Smith for "repeated use of alcohol in your office."
Coach's Attorney Vigorously Disputes University's Claims
Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, responded to the allegations in a letter to President Gonzalez on 16 December. Elliott stated, "We vigorously dispute Ohio University’s grounds for the termination for cause of Coach Brian Smith."
Regarding the affair, Elliott claimed Smith's divorce proceedings were already underway when he began dating, and that his ex-wife did not accuse him of an extramarital affair. The attorney asserted Smith was unaware the woman was a student when they met at an Athens establishment, and that the relationship lasted nearly four months. The student was not connected to the football programme.
Elliott also contested the alcohol allegations. He argued that the "repeated use of alcohol" referred to coaches having a victory toast in Smith's office after home wins. He claimed the bourbon was supplied by President Gonzalez's husband and that a single celebratory drink did not justify a for-cause termination.
Immediate Fallout and Future for the Programme
Brian Smith, 45, was placed on indefinite leave on 1 December before his formal dismissal. He was appointed head coach on 18 December 2024 and led the Bobcats to a 9-4 record this season, including a Cure Bowl victory and a win over West Virginia.
Defensive coordinator John Hauser will serve as interim head coach for the upcoming Frisco Bowl against UNLV on 23 December. The university has now begun its search for a permanent replacement.
In his response letter, Elliott indicated a willingness to negotiate a mutual departure to avoid a public dispute. However, with the termination now public and the university standing by its decision, the matter appears headed for a contentious legal resolution.
