Another scandal involving a college football coach appears to be heating up in the Great Lakes region.
After Michigan Wolverines boss Sherrone Moore was fired and later arrested last week in a sensational turn of events, Ohio University has now fired its coach, Brian Smith, for “serious professional misconduct.”
The school announced Smith’s dismissal on Wednesday after an administrative review, saying that Smith was let go for “engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavourably on the university,” according to a press release from Ohio athletics.
Ohio University, which put Smith on administrative leave starting Dec. 1 for undisclosed reasons, did not reveal any specific details about the misconduct.
Smith has challenged the dismissal, issuing a statement to the Athletic through lawyer Rex Elliot.
“We vigorously dispute Ohio University’s grounds for the termination for cause of coach Brian Smith,” Elliot said. “He is shocked and dismayed by this 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.”
Alcohol and drugs policy violation?
According to reports, Smith was fired for cause due to a violation of the school’s alcohol and drugs policy.
Smith’s personnel file, which was obtained by the Athletic, stated he met with school officials last month over an allegation that he violated school policy and his contract.
The file reportedly contained a Nov. 24 letter detailing the meeting, where Smith allegedly acknowledged storing alcohol in his desk drawer and admitting to drinking in his office during business hours.
Defensive coordinator John Hauser, who took on the role of interim coach after Smith was placed on leave, will continue the duties of head coach as Ohio wraps up its season against UNLV in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.
Smith served as the Bobcats coach for about a year, being hired last December to replace Tim Albin.
As part of a five-year deal signed in October, Smith reportedly had “a US$50,000 retention payment if he remained head coach of the Bobcats on Dec. 31, 2025,” according to the Athletic.
The school said in its statement that it will begin its search for a new permanent head coach “immediately.”
Sherrone Moore saga
Last week, Moore — the disgraced former University of Michigan football coach — allegedly told his mistress he was going to make her watch him kill himself and that “my blood is on your hands” after he alleged she ruined his life, prosecutors said during a court session on Friday.
Moore, who was fired by the school earlier in the week for engaging in an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member, appeared in court via Zoom after he was officially charged with felony home invasion and a pair of misdemeanours – stalking and breaking-and-entering – according to officials.
The charges stem from Moore allegedly breaking into the home of Paige Shiver – his executive assistant and lover – on Wednesday night, then grabbing butter knives and kitchen scissors before threatening to self-harm.