There’s a new college football head coaching job open. Less than a week before its bowl game, Ohio has announced the dismissal of full-time head coach Brian Smith.
The school announced Wednesday that Smith is being terminated for cause after “an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University.”
Ohio University Head Football Coach Brian Smith relieved of his duties https://t.co/ORMaEDPzxk pic.twitter.com/j3vt7Gx4eL
— Ohio Bobcats (@OhioBobcats) December 17, 2025
Ohio announced that Smith was being placed on indefinite leave on Dec. 1. Defensive coordinator John Hauser was named the interim head coach, and will serve in that role for Tuesday’s bowl game against UNLV in the Frisco Bowl. The program says that it will begin a national search immediately for the next full-time head coach.
Smith was in his first season as the program’s head coach. He had been with the Bobcats for 3 previous seasons, serving in roles including associate head coach, offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator and running backs head coach. Ohio is 8-4 on the 2025 season heading into the bowl game.
Ohio joins Michigan as the other current open FBS job.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
