Brian Smith fired by Ohio University for alcohol policy violation

Ohio University’s termination for cause involving head football coach Brian Smith reportedly involved a violation of the school’s policy regarding “alcohol and other drugs.”

Smith’s personnel file at the university was obtained by: AthleticHe stated that he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and other administrators on Nov. 24 to discuss the allegation that Smith violated not only the school’s policy but also his contract.

The file included a letter dated November 24 detailing the meeting, in which Smith admitted to keeping alcohol in his desk drawer and also admitted to consuming alcohol in his office during working hours.

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The letter also stated that Smith acknowledged that “from time to time, several assistant coaches, all of whom were over the age of 21, would join him privately in his office after games for a single glass of bourbon.”

According to Ohio University employee policy 41.133, it is prohibited to “use, possess, produce, or distribute drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace or on university vehicles and equipment and while on duty, or to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.”

OHIO UNIVERSITY FIRES HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR ‘SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT’

While Smith stated that he and the others allegedly involved were never under the influence of alcohol, he insisted that it did not affect his performance.

“You also acknowledged that you were initially unfamiliar with the policy but now understand its requirements,” Larscheid wrote in an official letter of reprimand, according to The Athletic . “You affirmed your commitment to comply with university policy going forward and agreed that consuming or storing alcohol on university property is strictly prohibited.”

Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, said in a statement Wednesday that they “strongly object to Ohio University’s grounds for cause-based termination.”

Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith watches a replay in the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on September 13, 2025. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Smith has been on administrative leave since December 1.

“At the request of your department, you have been placed on paid administrative leave from your position as Head Men’s Soccer Coach pending the outcome of an investigation into inappropriate conduct and possible violations of university policy and your employment contract,” read a Dec. 1 letter confirming Elliott’s leave of absence, according to The Athletic. it said.

“He is shocked and appalled by the turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name. Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community,” Elliott’s statement said.

Smith, 45, replaced Tim Albin after he moved to Charlotte last year, leading the Bobcats to an 8-4 record in his first season as full-time head coach.

The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser as the interim head coach of the team, which is scheduled to face the UNLV Rebels in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.

Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith arrives at Ohio Stadium prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

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“The termination followed an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment contract by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflected negatively on the University,” the school said in a statement. he said.

“The search for a permanent head coach for Ohio football will begin immediately,” the statement said.

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