Ohio University terminated head football coach Brian Smith for cause after an administrative review found he violated the terms of his contract through serious professional misconduct, the university announced Wednesday. This misconduct includes engaging in a relationship with a student and keeping alcohol in his office, according to documents obtained by The Post.
Smith was placed on administrative leave effective Dec. 1 while the university conducted its review. According to OU, the investigation concluded Smith engaged in conduct that violated his employment agreement and reflected unfavorably on the institution.
OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez notified Smith on Dec. 12 of the university’s intent to terminate his employment, citing multiple conditions in his contract that permit dismissal for cause, including conduct that brings public disrepute to the university, serious professional or personal misconduct, alcohol-related conduct and violations of university policy.
The notice alleges Smith engaged in extramarital affairs, including one with an undergraduate student, and participated in alcohol-related conduct that violated university policy and impaired his ability to perform as head coach. The letter also states Smith had previously been reprimanded for alcohol use in his office.
The university also alleged Smith had a relationship in part at the Ohio University Inn, where he was likely to be seen by members of the university community. OU said that the conduct reflected unfavorably on the university and its athletics program.
Through his attorney, Smith denied the allegations in a written response submitted Dec. 16. His attorney said Smith did not engage in an extramarital affair, as Smith and his former wife were separated and divorce proceedings were underway before the relationship began.
The response acknowledged Smith stayed at the OU Inn after the separation, but said he was living there temporarily while searching for permanent housing.
Smith’s attorney also disputed the claim that Smith told Athletic Director Slade Larscheid he carried on an affair at the Inn, saying Smith only admitted encountering parents while at the Inn with a 41-year-old woman after ending the relationship with the undergraduate student.
Smith’s attorney also argued the relationship with the undergraduate student was consensual, that the university has no policy prohibiting employees from dating students and that Smith ended the relationship once he learned she was a student.
The response denied claims that Smith’s alcohol use impaired his coaching duties, stating he was never intoxicated at university events and that alcohol use in offices has occurred among other university staff without disciplinary action.
However, Gonzalez notified Smith on Dec. 17 that the university found sufficient cause to terminate his employment under the contract. His termination was effective immediately, according to the letter, which also outlines requirements for returning university property.
This is a developing story and may be updated as additional information becomes available.
