College Football: Ohio University names John Hauser new coach
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The Ohio Bobcats named interim head coach John Hauser as the team’s new head coach on Friday.
Hauser, the interim head coach, will replace Brian Smith, who was fired for allegedly keeping alcohol in his office and having an affair with an undergraduate student, according to multiple reports. Smith was placed on administrative leave in early December and fired on December 18 for serious professional misconduct.
Hauser led the Bobcats to a 17-10 Frisco Bowl victory over UNLV on Tuesday night at the Ford Center. Now, just days after leading Ohio to its seventh consecutive bowl win, Hauser’s interim tag has been lifted.
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Ohio head coach John Hauser stands on the field during the second half against the UNLV Rebels at the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl at the Ford Center on December 23, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
“We are thrilled to announce John Hauser as our next head football coach. John is committed to improving our team as we continue to build on strong foundations. Success has been evident since arriving on campus in 2022,” Ohio University athletic director Slade Larscheid said in a statement. he said.
“Ohio football has won 40 games over the last four seasons, and John plays a key role in everything that goes into our winning program. Additionally, he is a proven leader and his focus will be on the student-athlete experience both on and off the field. We look forward to John and his family making an immediate impact on Ohio University and Bobcat football.”
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Ohio interim head coach John Hauser was fired after winning the Frisco Bowl against UNLV on December 23, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (LM Otero/AP Photo)
Hauser comes to Ohio in 2022 as the safeties coach. He was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator in 2023 and to defensive coordinator before the 2024 season. Hauser also served as associate head coach this season, becoming the 31st coach in school history.
“I am grateful to President Lori Gonzalez and Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid for the opportunity to lead this team and their belief in what we can accomplish together. I want to thank our players, alumni and fans for their support of this program and the pride they bring to Ohio University,” Hauser said.
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“This is a special place for my family and I, and we are proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about Ohio University and its football program. I look forward to taking the field with the team as we look to build on the program’s tradition of success in 2026 and beyond.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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