Brian Smith fired by Ohio University for alcohol policy violation

Ohio College’s termination for trigger involving head soccer coach Brian Smith reportedly concerned a violation of the varsity’s coverage on “alcohol and different medication.”

Smith’s personnel file on the college was obtained by The Athleticsstating that he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and different directors on November 24 to debate an allegation that Smith had violated not solely the varsity’s insurance policies but additionally his contract.

The file included a Nov. 24 letter describing the assembly, wherein Smith allegedly acknowledged retaining alcohol in his desk drawer, whereas additionally admitting to consuming alcohol in his workplace throughout enterprise hours.

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Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats in the course of the recreation towards the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on August 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Wealthy Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

The letter additionally acknowledged that Smith acknowledged that “sometimes a couple of assistant coaches, everywhere in the age of 21, would be a part of him privately in his workplace after video games for a single drink of bourbon.”

In response to Ohio College Worker Coverage 41.133, it’s prohibited to “use, possess, manufacture, or distribute medication and/or alcohol, or be below the affect of medication and/or alcohol, whereas within the office or on College automobiles and gear and whereas on responsibility.”

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Smith added that he and the others allegedly concerned had been by no means below the affect, whereas insisting alcohol didn’t have an effect on his efficiency.

“You additional acknowledged that you simply had been initially unfamiliar with the coverage however now perceive its necessities,” learn a letter from Larscheid as a proper reprimand, in response to The Athletic. “You affirmed your dedication to complying with College insurance policies going ahead and acknowledged that consuming or storing alcohol on College property is strictly prohibited.”

In a press release launched Wednesday by Smith’s legal professional, Rex Elliott, he stated they “strongly dispute Ohio College’s grounds for the termination for trigger.”

Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith watches a replay in the course of the third quarter towards the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Pictures)

Smith had been on administrative depart since December 1.

“On the request of your division, you’re being positioned on paid administrative depart out of your place as head males’s soccer coach pending the end result of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct and potential violations of college insurance policies and your employment settlement,” in response to a Dec. 1 letter confirming Smith has been positioned on depart, in response to The Athletic.

“He’s shocked and dismayed by this flip of occasions, and we intend to combat this wrongful termination to guard his good title. Coach Smith is an moral man who has completed exemplary work for the college. He desires nothing however the perfect for the gamers, coaches and your complete Bobcat neighborhood,” Elliott’s assertion stated.

Smith, 45, led the Bobcats to an 8-4 file in his first season as full-time head coach after taking up for Tim Albin final 12 months after shifting to Charlotte.

The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach, with the crew scheduled to fulfill the UNLV Rebels within the 2025 Scooter’s Espresso Frisco Bowl on December 23.

Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith arrives at Ohio Stadium previous to the sport towards the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Pictures)

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“The termination follows an administrative overview of allegations that Smith violated the phrases of his employment settlement by partaking in severe skilled misconduct and interesting in actions that replicate unfavorably on the college,” the varsity stated in a press release on the matter.

“A seek for a everlasting head coach for Ohio soccer will start instantly,” the assertion concluded.

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