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NEED TO KNOW
Ohio University has fired its football coach Brian Smith
Smith, 45, was terminated for "engaging in serious professional misconduct," the university announced on Wednesday, Dec. 17
Smith spent 364 days in his position at the Athens, Ohio school
Ohio University has fired its head football coach Brian Smith for "engaging in serious professional misconduct," the school announced on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
"The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University," the schoolsaid in a statement.
Smith, 45, had gone 8-4 over his first full season after taking the reins 364 days ago — on Dec. 18, 2024 — from Tim Albin, who left for UNC Charlotte,according to ESPN.
Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, said his client is "shocked and dismayed" by the firing.
"We vigorously dispute Ohio University's grounds for the termination for cause of Coach Brian Smith,"Elliott said in a statement. "He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name."
He added, "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."
Smith had been placed on leave on Dec. 1 for undisclosed reasons.
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Interim coach John Hauser will now lead the football program, less than a week before the Bobcats take on the UNLV Rebels at the Frisco Bowl in Frisco, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
The Athens, Ohio university said in its statement that a search for a permanent head coach — its third in three seasons — will "begin immediately."
Smith's departure comes in the wake of another high-profile college football dismissal whose team is also on the eve of a bowl game.
Sherrone Moore, 39,was fired as coach of the Michigan Wolverines last weekafter a university investigation found "credible evidence" that Moore "engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member."
Michigan is set to play Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
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