Full Breakdown
Ohio University Football Coach Brian Smith Sues Over Wrongful Termination
5/9/2026, 10:35:30 PM
Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Former Ohio University head football coach Brian Smith filed a wrongful-termination suit in the Ohio Court of Claims, alleging the university breached his contract by terminating him “for cause” on Dec. 17, 2025. Smith says the university acted without investigation and relied on claims of extramarital affairs and alcohol-related conduct.
Coaching Tenure
Smith joined Ohio’s staff in 2022 as running backs and passing-game coordinator, became associate head coach and offensive coordinator by 2024. After Tim Albin left for Charlotte, Smith was promoted to head coach on Dec. 18, 2024. In his season, the Bobcats went 9-4 and won the Cure Bowl.
Key Dates
Dec 1, 2025 – placed on leave; Dec 12 – notice citing extramarital affairs and alcohol-related conduct; Dec 16 – attorney refuted; Dec 17 – termination announced, John Hauser named; Dec 23 – lawsuit filed for $2.5 million; Jan 2026 – Hauser appointed permanent head coach.
Contract Data
Smith’s contract runs through 2029 with $2.5 million remaining. The 2024 season ended 9-4 with a Cure Bowl win. A Nov 25, 2025 reprimand for a celebratory office toast was the only documented disciplinary action.
University Response
Ohio University said Smith’s termination was based on “violations of the established terms within his employment agreement” and called the lawsuit “unfounded.” The university will defend itself and declined further comment. Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, asserts Smith is owed the full contract balance and that the university’s actions have harmed his career.
Coach's Allegations
Smith’s complaint says the university prioritized optics over due process, citing a “rushed” decision within days of his leave and no investigation. The suit contends the alleged relationship involved a consenting adult student, that no policy barred it, and that intoxication claim rests only on a reprimand for an office toast.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the affair’s nature—some describe a graduate student, others an undergraduate. The university’s intoxication claim is contested; the lawsuit notes a reprimand for a celebratory drink but finds no impairment. Whether the reprimand was a “terminable offense” remains disputed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This case arises from Ohio University's decision to destroy the career and reputation of its head football coach first and justify it later,” — Complaint
- “It was nothing more than coincidence that she happened to be an OU student,” — Complaint
- “OU clearly determined this was a corrective measure and not a terminable offense,” — Complaint
- “This lawsuit is unfounded, and the University will strongly defend itself in court.” — University spokesperson
Next Steps
The case proceeds in the Ohio Court of Claims, with a hearing pending. Parties will continue litigation, and the outcome could affect future contract enforcement in college sports.
