Ohio University has dismissed its head football coach, Brian Smith, citing 'serious professional misconduct' following a swift administrative review. The abrupt termination, announced on Wednesday, came just weeks after Smith was formally reprimanded for violating a university policy concerning 'alcohol and other drugs'.
Formal Reprimand Preceded Suspension
Newly revealed documents, obtained by The Athletic through a public records request, show a clear timeline of escalating disciplinary action. According to a personnel file, Smith was formally reprimanded on November 25 for breaching the university's strict policy on alcohol possession and use in the workplace.
The reprimand followed a meeting on November 24 with Athletic Director Slade Larscheid and other administrators. In that meeting, Smith acknowledged storing alcohol in his office desk drawer and consuming it after hours. He also admitted that, on occasion, a few assistant coaches over 21 had joined him privately in his office after games for 'a single drink of bourbon' to toast a victory.
Smith reportedly emphasised that neither he nor his staff were under the influence during these instances and that his job performance was never affected. However, Ohio University policy explicitly prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol while on duty or on university property.
Swift Escalation to Termination
Just days after the written reprimand, which warned that future violations could lead to termination, Smith was placed on paid administrative leave on December 1. The letter informing him of the leave cited an investigation into 'allegations of inappropriate conduct and possible violations of university policy'.
The university's statement on his dismissal this week stated Smith was fired for 'engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University'. This language mirrors the 'termination for cause' clause in his employment contract, which allows dismissal for misconduct that damages the institution's reputation.
While the university has not explicitly connected the alcohol reprimand to the later misconduct allegations, the personnel file shows no other disciplinary documents between the November 25 reprimand and the December 1 suspension notice.
Legal Battle and Contractual Fallout
Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, has strongly contested the dismissal, calling it a 'wrongful termination' and vowing to fight to protect the coach's name. Elliott framed the alcohol policy incident as related to staff 'toasting a recent victory' and stated Smith is 'shocked and dismayed' by his firing.
The contractual implications are significant. Had Smith been fired without cause, he would have been owed approximately $2.5 million in remaining salary from his five-year contract. A 'for cause' termination, which the university has enacted, relieves them of that financial obligation, provided the allegations are substantiated.
Smith had just completed his first season with the Ohio Bobcats, leading them to an 8-4 record. Interim head coach John Hauser will now lead the team in the upcoming Frisco Bowl against UNLV on December 23.
This bizarre coaching departure follows another recent, mysterious firing in American college football at the University of Michigan, where coach Sherrone Moore was dismissed last week over an alleged inappropriate relationship before being arrested on separate charges.
