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Ohio UniversityThe termination for cause associated with head football coach Brian Smith was reportedly due to a violation of the school's “alcohol and other drugs” policy.
Smith's university personnel file was obtained Athleticwhich said he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and other administrators on Nov. 24 to discuss the allegation that Smith violated not only school policy but also his contract.
Included in the file was a letter dated Nov. 24 detailing a meeting where Smith allegedly admitted to storing alcohol in his desk drawer and also admitted to consuming alcohol in his office during work hours.
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Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on August 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Grassl/Icon Sportswire)
The letter also states that Smith acknowledged that “on occasion, several assistant coaches over the age of 21 joined him privately in his office.” after the games for one sip 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, in the workplace or on University vehicles and equipment, or while performing official duties.”
OHIO UNIVERSITY fires head football coach over 'serious PROFESSIONAL MISTAKES'
Smith added that he and others allegedly involved were never intoxicated, while insisting that alcohol did not affect his performance.
“You also acknowledged that you were initially unfamiliar with the policy but now understand its requirements,” Larscheid’s letter of formal reprimand read, according to The Athletic. “You have affirmed your commitment to continue to comply with University policy and acknowledge that the consumption or possession of alcohol on University property is strictly prohibited.”
In a statement released Wednesday by Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, he said they “vigorously dispute Ohio University's grounds for termination for cause.”
Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith watches replay of the third quarter of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Smith has been on administrative leave since Dec. 1.
“At the request of your department, you have been placed on paid administrative leave from your position as head men's soccer coach pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct and possible violations of university policy and your employment contract,” read a Dec. 1 letter confirming Smith's placement on leave, according to The Athletic.
“He is shocked and dismayed 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 an exemplary job for the university. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community,” Elliott said in a statement.
Smith, 45, led the Bobcats to an 8-4 record in his first season as a full-time head coach after succeeding Tim Albin after he moved to Charlotte last year.
The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Houser as the team's interim head coach to face UNLV Rebels at the 2025 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl on December 23rd.
Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith arrives at Ohio Stadium before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
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“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment contract by engaging in serious professional misconduct and engaging in activities that reflect unfavorably on the university,” the school said in a statement on the matter.
“The search for a permanent head football coach at Ohio State will begin immediately,” the statement said.
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