Ohio University Football Coach Placed on Leave Amidst Uncertainty

Ohio University head football coach Brian Smith received notice of his administrative leave on December 1, a decision that left him perplexed and without any clear explanation.

At 45 years old, Smith was informed during the workday that he would be placed on leave “for an undetermined period of time,” as announced by the athletic department. No specific reasons were provided for this abrupt action.

His attorney revealed that Smith was asked to leave without any prior warning or information regarding the rationale behind the decision. Furthermore, the attorney emphasized that no allegations or accusations have been made against Smith.

Despite the lack of clarity, reports indicate that Smith intends to “deny all wrongdoing and will fight any allegations brought against him.” Complicating matters, Smith was in the midst of a divorce, but court documents suggest that his personal circumstances are unrelated to his current situation at the university.

The divorce filing explicitly stated, “Nothing Plaintiff has alleged is the cause of [Smith’s] current situation at Ohio University, where he has been placed on interim leave.” The divorce was finalized on December 9.

Smith's contract situation adds another layer of complexity. After working much of the year without a formal contract, he was set to earn $850,000 for the season. Observers note that the timing of the university's decision raises questions about its intent.

According to reports, if Ohio University had terminated Smith without cause before December 1, it would have owed him a substantial sum of $2,511,250. However, by placing him on paid leave instead of outright firing him, the university may be attempting to sidestep a wrongful termination lawsuit while avoiding a full buyout.

The lack of transparency from Ohio University has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the student newspaper. In a letter to the editor, Abby Waechter expressed concern over the vacuum of information, stating, “With no answers from the university, people are jumping to conclusions.”

Waechter further noted that speculation has flourished in the absence of official communication, leading to personal claims about Smith and his family circulating publicly. “This isn’t accountability. It’s the predictable consequence of institutional stonewalling,” she wrote.

Smith had recently completed an 8-4 season with the Bobcats in his inaugural year as head coach. Following his leave, defensive coordinator John Hauser has stepped in as interim head coach.

The Bobcats are scheduled to face UNLV in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on December 23, amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding their head coach.