Brian Smith fired by Ohio College for alcohol coverage violation

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Ohio University ’s termination for trigger involving head soccer coach Brian Smith reportedly concerned a violation of the varsity’s coverage associated to "alcohol and different medication."

Smith’s personnel file with the college was obtained by The Athletic , which said he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and different directors on Nov. 24 to debate an allegation that Smith violated not simply the varsity’s coverage, however his contract as effectively.

The file had a Nov. 24 letter detailing the assembly, the place Smith allegedly acknowledged storing alcohol in his desk drawer, whereas additionally admitting to the consumption of alcohol in his workplace throughout enterprise hours.

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Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats through the recreation in opposition to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Aug. 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Wealthy Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

The letter additionally mentioned Smith acknowledged "once in a while, a couple of assistant coaches, everywhere in the age of 21, joined him privately in his workplace after games for a single drink of bourbon."

In response to Ohio College worker coverage 41.133, it's prohibited to "use, possess, manufacture or distribute medication and/alcohol, or be underneath the affect of medicine and/or alcohol, whereas within the office or in college automobiles and tools and whereas on responsibility."

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Smith added that he and the others who have been allegedly concerned have been by no means underneath the affect, whereas insisting alcohol didn't have an effect on his efficiency.

"You additional acknowledged that you just have been initially unfamiliar with the coverage however now perceive its necessities," a letter from Larscheid as a proper reprimand learn, per The Athletic. "You affirmed your dedication to adjust to college coverage shifting ahead and acknowledged that consuming or storing alcohol on college property is strictly prohibited."

In an announcement launched by Smith’s lawyer, Rex Elliott, on Wednesday, he mentioned they "vigorously dispute Ohio College’s grounds for the termination for trigger."

Head coach Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats watches a replay through the third quarter in opposition to the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Photographs)

Smith had been on administrative go away since Dec. 1.

"On the request of your division, you might be positioned on paid administrative go away out of your place as Head Coach, Males’s Soccer, pending the end result of an investigation concerning allegations of inappropriate conduct and attainable violations of college coverage and your employment settlement," a Dec. 1 letter learn, confirming Elliott being positioned on go away, per The Athletic.

"He's shocked and dismayed by this flip of occasions, and we plan to combat this wrongful termination to guard his good identify. Coach Smith is an moral man who has achieved an exemplary job for the College. He desires nothing however one of the best for the gamers, coaches, and all the Bobcat neighborhood," Elliott’s assertion learn.

Smith, 45, led the Bobcats to an 8-4 file in his first season as full-time head coach after taking on for Tim Albin final yr after he moved on to Charlotte.

The Bobcats named defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach with the crew scheduled to face the UNLV Rebels within the 2025 Scooter’s Espresso Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.

Head coach Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats arrives at Ohio Stadium previous to the sport in opposition to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 13, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Photographs)

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"The termination follows an administrative assessment of allegations that Smith violated the phrases of his employment settlement by participating in severe skilled misconduct and collaborating in actions that mirror unfavorably on the College," the varsity mentioned in its assertion on the matter.