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Ohio University’s termination for cause involving football coach Brian Smith reportedly involved a violation of the school’s policy related to “alcohol and other drugs.”
Smith’s personnel file with the university was obtained by The Athletic, which said he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and other administrators on Nov. 24 to discuss an allegation that Smith violated not only school policy but also his contract.
The file had a Nov. 24 letter detailing the meeting, in which Smith allegedly admitted to keeping alcohol in his desk drawer, while also admitting to consuming alcohol in his office during business hours.
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Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on August 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
The letter also said Smith acknowledged that “a few assistant coaches, all over the age of 21, joined him privately in his office after games for a single drink of bourbon.”
According to Ohio University Employee Policy 41.133, it is prohibited to “use, possess, manufacture or distribute drugs and/or alcohol or be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while at work or in University vehicles and equipment and while on duty.”
OHIO UNIVERSITY FIRES HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR ‘SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL DISCHARGE’
Smith added that he and the others allegedly involved were never under the influence, while insisting alcohol did not affect his performance.
“You further acknowledged that you were initially unfamiliar with the policy but now understand its requirements,” a letter from Larscheid read as a formal reprimand, according to The Athletic. “You reaffirmed your commitment to comply with University policy going forward and acknowledged that the consumption or possession of alcohol on University property is strictly prohibited.”
In a statement released by Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, on Wednesday, he said they “vigorously dispute Ohio University’s justification for the termination for cause.”
Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith watches a third quarter replay against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Smith had been on administrative leave since December 1.
“At the request of your department, you are being placed on paid administrative leave from your position as head coach, men’s soccer, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct and possible violations of university policy and your employment agreement,” read a Dec. 1 letter confirming Smith has been placed on leave, according to The Athletic.
“He is shocked and appalled by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name. Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done exemplary work for the university. He wishes nothing but the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community,” Elliott’s statement read.
Smith, 45, led the Bobcats to an 8-4 record in his first season as a full-time head coach after taking over for Tim Albin last year after he moved on to Charlotte.
The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser interim head coach with the team set to face the UNLV Rebels in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.
Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith arrives at Ohio Stadium prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and engaging in activities that reflect negatively on the university,” the school said in its statement on the matter.
“A search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the statement concluded.
