Ohio University terminated football coach Brian Smith on December 6, 2023, citing serious professional misconduct that included a romantic relationship with a student and allegations of public intoxication. Smith, who had been placed on administrative leave since December 1, was dismissed for actions deemed damaging to the reputation of the university.
In a letter detailing the intention to fire Smith, university president Lori Stewart Gonzalez outlined the reasons for this decision, describing his conduct as bringing “disrepute, scandal and ridicule” to the institution. The letter, which has been made public through various media outlets, indicated that Smith had acknowledged an affair with an undergraduate student and engaged in behavior that violated his employment agreement.
Gonzalez emphasized that Smith’s affair occurred at the Ohio University Inn, a location where he could be seen by families of athletes and university donors. Smith was under contract through the 2029 season and stood to receive approximately $2.5 million in remaining salary.
In response, Smith’s attorney, Rex Elliott, disputed the claims made by the university. He asserted that Smith did not participate in an extramarital affair, noting that the coach and his wife had separated and were in the process of divorce during the time in question. Elliott explained that Smith had been living at the OU Inn while searching for permanent housing and maintained that his relationship with the student was a “perfectly appropriate consensual adult relationship” that did not breach any university rules.
Moreover, Elliott addressed the allegations of public intoxication. He argued that Smith had never been inebriated at university events and that the reprimand concerning alcohol consumption in his office was overstated. Elliott clarified that the incident in question involved a celebration among coaching staff, which included toasting with Bourbon provided by Gonzalez’s husband.
According to Elliott, the university’s practices around alcohol at events and in staff offices further complicated the situation. He indicated that Smith would “vigorously pursue” legal action for wrongful termination if the university proceeded with the dismissal.
Smith’s tenure as Ohio’s head coach saw him finish with an 8-4 record in his inaugural season after being promoted from offensive coordinator, a position he had held since 2022. The fallout from this incident marks a significant moment for both Smith and the university as it navigates the implications of the allegations and the broader impact on its athletic programs.
