Brian Smith was fired from his post Ohio The university's head football coach for multiple violations of his contract, including an extramarital affair with a female student, according to records obtained Thursday by The Associated Press through a public records request.
The university said Wednesday it terminated Smith's contract for cause following an administrative review that found he had “committed serious professional misconduct and engaged in activities that reflect unfavorably” on the school. At that time there were no specifics.
The details were contained in a copy of the school's notice of intent to discontinue obtained by AP. The recordings also included Smith's attorney's response to the school.
University President Laurie Stewart Gonzalez sent Smith and his attorney, Rex Elliott, notice of their intent to terminate Smith's contract on Dec. 12. On December 1, Smith was placed on indefinite leave.
The reasons stated in the notice included “engaging in extramarital affairs” and “alcohol-related behavior,” including attending a public event during which Smith smelled strongly of alcohol and acted “intoxicated,” according to records.
The school said the reason for the dismissal was the extramarital affair because it brought the coach “public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule.”
Elliott responded to Gonzalez on Dec. 16 that “divorce proceedings were already in full swing before he began dating anyone. Coach Smith was open about the relationship, and even his now ex-wife did not accuse him of extramarital affairs.” Smith and his ex-wife separated earlier this year.
The lawyer's response said Smith did not know the woman was a university student at the time they met at the Athens establishment and that they had been dating for almost four months. The student also was not an employee of the football program or athletic department, the attorney said.
“No one at the University expressed any concern or opinion about who Coach Smith was allowed to date, but he nonetheless ended the relationship in early November,” Elliott wrote.
The attorney also disputed the claim that the affair took place at an on-campus hotel because Smith was living there while he was looking for another home after his divorce.
Elliott argued that the school has no written policy prohibiting any staff member from dating a student, and that “this was a completely appropriate, consensual adult relationship that did not violate any OU rules or policies.”
The school's letter also said Smith was reprimanded for “repeatedly consuming alcohol in the office.”
Smith's lawyer said the reprimand stemmed from coaches toasting the victory in Smith's office after home wins. Elliott said the bourbon was provided by Gonzalez's husband and that “having one drink in celebration with your employees in no way justifies a 'for cause' termination.”
Elliott said in a statement Wednesday night: “We vigorously dispute Ohio University's grounds for firing Coach Brian Smith.”
But Elliott said in his letter to Gonzalez that they were willing to avoid a public fight and work toward a mutual departure that would “protect Coach Smith from undue harm as well as the university.”
Smith, 45, was named head coach on Dec. 18, 2024, after Tim Albin left to become Charlotte's coach. Smith came to Ohio State as the running backs coach and passing game coordinator in 2022, then was promoted to associate head coach in 2023 and offensive coordinator in 2024.
Under Smith, the Bobcats went 9-4, including a win in last year's Cure Bowl over Jacksonville State and a 17-10 win over West Virginia this season.
Defensive coordinator John Houser will serve as interim coach for the Dec. 23 Frisco Bowl game against UNLV. The search for a permanent coach continues.
