Ohio Bobcats fire head football coach Brian Smith for cause

Ohio College introduced Wednesday that it has fired head soccer coach Brian Smith for trigger.

“The termination follows an administrative assessment of allegations that Smith violated the phrases of his employment settlement by partaking in critical skilled misconduct and fascinating in actions that mirror unfavorably on the college,” the college stated in a press release.

The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach with the workforce set to face the UNLV Rebels on Dec. 23 within the 2025 Scooter’s Espresso Frisco Bowl.

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Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith arrives at Ohio Stadium for a recreation towards the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Photographs)

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

It’s not recognized what “critical skilled misconduct” Smith is alleged to have dedicated, however his lawyer, Rex Elliott, denied any wrongdoing.

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“We strongly dispute Ohio College’s causes for the termination attributable to coach Brian Smith,” Elliott stated in a press release. according to ESPN. “He’s shocked and dismayed by this flip of occasions, and we intend to litigate this wrongful termination to guard his good title.

“Coach Smith is an moral man who has finished exemplary work for the college. He needs nothing however the very best for the gamers, coaches and your complete Bobcat group.”

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 Photographs)

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Smith and the Bobcats went 8-4 in his first common season as Ohio’s head coach. He was positioned on depart on December 1 for unknown causes.

Smith served because the workforce’s offensive coordinator final season earlier than being promoted to interim head coach following Tim Albin’s determination to go to Charlotte. Smith, 45, was signed to a five-year contract to stay the Bobcats’ head coach by way of the 2029 season.

However as a result of Smith was fired by the college for trigger, Smith is owed lower than $2.5 million in remaining wage.

Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats throughout a recreation towards the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, August 28, 2025, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ (Wealthy Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

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Smith’s teaching profession earlier than Ohio included stops at Washington State and Hawaii. He additionally performed in Hawaii as an offensive lineman and lengthy snapper.

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