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adam ritenberg
Ohio University On Wednesday, coach Brian Smith was fired, saying Smith “violated his contract by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that adversely affected the university.”
The school did not provide specific details about Smith’s misconduct. Smith, who went 8–4 in his first regular season as Bobcats coach, was placed on leave on December 1 for undisclosed reasons.
“We vigorously dispute Ohio University’s grounds for the dismissal of Coach Brian Smith,” Smith’s attorney Rex Elliott said in a statement. “She is shocked and disappointed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect her good name.
“Coach Smith is an ethical individual who has done an exemplary job for the university. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community.”
Defensive coordinator John Hauser was named interim coach when Smith was placed on leave and will lead Ohio against Scooter Coffey in the Frisco Bowl on December 23. unlvOhio said a search for a long-term head coach will begin immediately,
Smith, who is 45, was promoted from offensive coordinator last December following the departure of Tim Albin. charlotteReceived a five-year contract through the 2029 season. If he had been fired without cause, he would have been owed approximately $2.5 million in remaining salary.
After the pause, he coached at Ohio through 2022 Washington State And AirportWhere he played offensive tackle and long snapper from 1998 to 2001.
