New details have come to light regarding the termination of Ohio University football coach Brian Smith.
In the weeks before Smith’s firing Wednesday for “engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University,” the coach met with administrators over an allegation he was in violation of “a university and contractual policy related to ‘alcohol and other drugs,’” The Athletic reported.
Suzanne Durst, the director of employee experience at Ohio University, expanded on a meeting with Smith in a Nov. 24 letter, a gathering where the coach “acknowledged storing alcohol in his office desk drawer and that he had consumed alcohol in his office after normal business hours,” according to the note in Smith’s personnel file obtained by The Athletic.
Ohio University relieved football coach Brian Smith of his duties in December 2025. AP
Additionally, Smith — in his first year as head coach of the Bobcats — had toasted “on occasion” with some assistants, “all over the age of 21,” postgame “for a single drink of bourbon,” the outlet reported.
Staffers cannot “use, possess, manufacture or distribute drugs and/alcohol, or be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, while in the workplace or in university vehicles and equipment and while on duty,” as indicated in Ohio University employee policy 41.133.
Smith stressed that alcohol did not impact his professional abilities and “that neither he nor others were under the influence during these instances,” per The Athletic.
In the wake of the meeting with administrators, including the university’s athletic director, Slade Larscheid, Smith received a letter on Nov. 25 stating: “Future violations of University Policy 41.133 or other University policies, may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment. You are expected to fully comply with all university policies and maintain professional conduct at all times.”
Brian Smith on the sidelines during an Ohio Bobcats game in August 2025. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Days later, on Dec. 1, Smith was put on leave “for an undetermined period of time.” John Hauser, the team’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator, was elevated to interim head coach.
The Athletic noted, “There were no other documents in the personnel file between the Nov. 25 reprimand letter and the Dec. 1 letter for administrative leave.”
Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, said in a statement Wednesday they “vigorously dispute Ohio University’s grounds for the termination for cause.”
Smith led the Bobcats to an 8-4 record this season.
Hauser will coach the team in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl next Tuesday against UNLV.