Ohio University has terminated football coach Brian Smith following serious allegations of professional misconduct. The university cited his romantic involvement with a student and an allegation of public intoxication as key factors in their decision. Smith, who was placed on leave on December 1, 2023, officially lost his position on Wednesday, with the university characterizing his actions as detrimental to its reputation.
In a letter announcing the intent to fire him, Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez detailed Smith’s “extramarital affairs,” including one with an undergraduate student. Gonzalez stated that these actions led to “disrepute, scandal and ridicule” and constituted a breach of his employment agreement. The letter, which has been obtained by multiple media outlets through public records requests, underscores the severity of the university’s concerns regarding Smith’s conduct.
Smith’s public missteps reportedly included an admission of the affair while at the Ohio University Inn, a setting where he could easily be observed by family members of athletes, donors, and other university stakeholders. He had been under contract through the 2029 season and was due approximately $2.5 million in remaining salary.
In response, Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, contended that the allegations were unfounded. Elliott asserted that Smith “didn’t participate in an extramarital affair” and emphasized that Smith and his wife had separated earlier that year, undergoing divorce proceedings while living apart. He clarified that Smith was residing at the Ohio University Inn while seeking permanent housing and maintained that his relationship with the student was a “perfectly appropriate consensual adult relationship” that did not violate university policy.
Elliott also addressed allegations of Smith’s public intoxication, which were referenced as part of the rationale for his dismissal. Gonzalez mentioned that the university had been informed of an incident where Smith “smelled strongly of alcohol” and exhibited intoxicated behavior. Elliott countered this, stating that Smith had never appeared inebriated at any university event. He pointed out that the reprimand related to a gathering of coaches celebrating victories with bourbon provided by Gonzalez’s husband in Smith’s office.
The unfolding situation has potential legal ramifications, as Elliott indicated that Smith would “vigorously pursue” litigation for wrongful termination if fired for cause. Smith’s coaching tenure at Ohio University was brief, finishing with a record of 8-4 in his first season after being promoted from offensive coordinator.
Ohio University’s actions reflect a commitment to maintaining professional standards among its staff, particularly those in leadership positions. The university has not yet commented further following Smith’s termination.
