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The Ohio football program has temporarily removed head coach Brian Smith from his post ahead of the Bobcats‘ upcoming bowl game. No explanation has been given for his absence.
New details are emerging though none have provided much clarity. The school refuses to address the situation.
The university released a statement on a change of leadership shortly after the team picked up its eighth win of the season. Jon Hauser was named the interim coach. Smith was placed on administrative leave.
John Hauser has been named Interim Head Coach of the Ohio football program. Hauser has served as associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bobcats since December 2024 and has been with the team since 2022.
Head Coach Brian Smith will be on leave for an undetermined period of time beginning December 1.
That was the gist of the update. No reasoning was given as to the transition.
What did the Ohio football coach do?
That remains unclear. Rumors of an interrupted team meeting began swirling soon after the news broke. They claim the AD walked into the room, demanded everyone but Smith leave, then informed the coach of his removal.
No one outside of Ohio football administration seems to have any idea of what’s going on.
Smith has been the head coach for just one season, taking over in 2025 after longtime leader Tim Albin’s departure for Charlotte.
In an interim role, Smith led the Bobcats to a bowl win over Jacksonville State. He then guided the team to a respectable 8-4 campaign in his debut.
The unexpected nature of the initial reports led some to believe his removal was health related. That now does not appear to be the case.
Smith’s attorney has shed more light on the situation in the days to follow.
Brian Smith denies wrongdoing.
Grant Keifer and Andrew Bowlby of WOUB Public Media spoke to the coach’s representation amid his absence. Smith’s camp denies breaking any rules.
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, as they also went on to say no allegations or charges have been brought against Smith at this time.
His attorney says Smith is currently on paid leave, and they deny all wrongdoing and will fight any allegations brought against him.
Smith’s attorney seemed to confirm the rumors of a midday meeting interruption to inform the coach of his removal. Unfortunately, there remains no explanation for the school’s decision.
No charges or allegations have been brought against the Ohio football coach at this time. Any future accusations will be denied as the two sides continue to sort things out.
The school again declined to address the decision, according to WOUB.