Ohio University has formally dismissed its head football coach, Brian Smith, following a comprehensive administrative review that concluded he had committed multiple breaches of his employment contract. The specifics of these violations, previously withheld by the university, emerged Thursday from public records obtained by The Associated Press. These documents delineate allegations of an extramarital affair involving an undergraduate student, alongside various instances of alcohol-related misconduct that reportedly brought the institution into disrepute. The university had initially announced the termination for cause on Wednesday, citing “serious professional misconduct” and participation in activities that “reflect unfavorably” on the school.

The formal notice of intent to terminate, a crucial document acquired by the AP, provided the granular details of the university’s accusations. Key among these were “participation in extramarital affairs” and a pattern of “alcohol-related conduct.” One particularly striking allegation described Coach Smith at a public event, allegedly smelling distinctly of alcohol and exhibiting an “intoxicated demeanor.” Furthermore, the university’s letter cited “repeated use of alcohol in your office,” painting a picture of conduct deemed unacceptable for a high-profile university employee.

University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez formally communicated the notice of intent to terminate Smith’s contract to him and his legal counsel, Rex Elliott, on December 12. This action followed Smith’s placement on indefinite leave, which commenced on December 1. The university explicitly stated that the alleged extramarital affairs provided sufficient grounds for termination, arguing they had the potential to bring the coach into “public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule,” thereby undermining the institution’s image and values. This firm stance underscored the university’s commitment to upholding its ethical standards for staff.

In a robust response to President Gonzalez dated December 16, attorney Rex Elliott mounted a vigorous defense against the university’s claims. Elliott asserted that Smith’s divorce proceedings were “well underway before he began dating anyone,” directly challenging the classification of the relationship as an “extramarital affair.” He further clarified that Coach Smith did not conceal the relationship, and even his now ex-wife did not accuse him of infidelity. Elliott also stated that Smith was initially unaware the woman he was dating was a university student when they first met at an Athens establishment, emphasizing that their consensual relationship lasted for nearly four months before its conclusion.

Elliott’s defense continued by highlighting the absence of any university policy explicitly prohibiting employees from dating students, thereby questioning the basis of the university’s disciplinary action. He stressed that the student in question was not affiliated with the football program or the athletic department staff, reinforcing the argument that “this was a perfectly appropriate consensual adult relationship that did not violate any OU rule or policy.” Addressing the accusation of “repeated use of alcohol in your office,” Elliott explained this referred to celebratory victory toasts with his coaching staff after home wins. He pointed out that the bourbon used for these toasts was reportedly supplied by President Gonzalez’s husband, suggesting that “taking a single drink toasting a victory with his staff comes nowhere close to justifying a ‘for cause’ termination.”

While strongly disputing the university’s grounds for termination, Elliott’s letter to President Gonzalez also conveyed a strategic willingness to avoid a protracted public battle. He indicated a desire to work towards a mutual departure that would “protect Coach Smith from undue harm as well as the University,” signaling an attempt to reach an amicable resolution. Brian Smith, 45, had a relatively swift ascent within the Ohio University athletic department. He initially joined the university in 2022 as a running backs coach and passing game coordinator, quickly moving up to associate head coach in 2023, and then offensive coordinator before his appointment as head coach in late 2023, following Tim Albin’s departure.

During his tenure as head coach, Smith led the Ohio Bobcats to a commendable 9-4 record, demonstrating significant on-field success. This included a notable victory in last year’s Cure Bowl against Jacksonville State and an impressive 17-10 win over West Virginia earlier this season, showcasing the team’s competitive prowess. In the immediate aftermath of Smith’s dismissal, defensive coordinator John Hauser has been appointed as interim coach. Hauser will guide the team through the upcoming Frisco Bowl on December 23, where they are scheduled to face UNLV. The university has confirmed that a comprehensive search for a permanent head coach is now actively underway to ensure continuity and future success for the football program.

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Keywords: Ohio University football coach, Brian Smith dismissal, Coach misconduct allegations, Extramarital affair student, Alcohol-related conduct, Ohio Bobcats football, University contract breach, Rex Elliott defense