Ohio University Fires Head Coach Brian Smith After Alleged Affair w/ Undergraduate Student

Ohio University Fires Head Coach Brian Smith After Alleged Affair w/ Undergraduate Student

Ohio University fired head football coach Brian Smith on December 17 “for cause,” ending his tenure after one season and an 8–4 finish.

The school says the dismissal followed Smith’s admission that he had an extramarital relationship with an undergraduate student and other conduct it deemed damaging to the university.

In a December 12 letter, OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez accused Smith of carrying on the relationship on campus at the Ohio University Inn and appearing intoxicated at an event. Before December 18, OU had only cited “engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the university.”

Records also cite bourbon stored in his desk. Smith’s attorney Rex Elliott said the coach was “shocked and dismayed by this turn of events” and “an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the university.” Elliott added, “There is zero basis for a ‘for cause’ termination.”

Sheesh! Another one! TJB Crew, what are your thoughts?