Ohio University Fires Head Football Coach Brian Smith Over Alleged Affair and Alcohol Violations
Ohio University has fired head football coach Brian Smith for cause, citing an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student and repeated alcohol policy violations in his office. The allegations came to light after Smith was placed on administrative leave on December 1, following a meeting with his assistants. The initial concern involved an allegation from November 24 related to alcohol being present in his office.
A formal complaint was issued on November 25 warning that further rule violations could lead to termination. On December 12, University President Lori Gonzalez sent Smith a letter of dismissal for cause, detailing the extramarital affair and alcohol misconduct as grounds for his firing.
Smith's attorney stated that the affair began after Smith's divorce proceedings and that Smith did not deny the relationship with the undergraduate student. The attorney also claimed the university was aware of the relationship and that it was not hidden.
Brian Smith had just completed his first season as Ohio's head football coach, finishing with an 8-4 record. The team was scheduled to play a bowl game against UNLV on December 23.
