Ohio University hires coach to replace Brian Smith, who had controversial exit from school

The Ohio Bobcats named interim caput manager John Hauser arsenic the team's caller caput manager Friday.

Hauser, who was named the interim caput coach, replaces Brian Smith, who was fired for having intoxicant successful his bureau and for having an alleged matter with an undergraduate student, according to aggregate reports. Smith was placed connected administrative permission astatine the opening of December and was fired Dec. 18 for superior nonrecreational misconduct.

Hauser led the Bobcats to a 17-10 Frisco Bowl triumph implicit UNLV connected Tuesday nighttime astatine the Ford Center. Now, conscionable a fewer days aft starring Ohio to their seventh consecutive vessel win, Hauser had the interim tag removed.

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Ohio caput manager John Hauser stands connected the tract during the 2nd fractional against the UNLV Rebels astatine the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl astatine Ford Center successful Frisco, Texas, Dec. 23, 2025. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

"We are thrilled to announce John Hauser as our adjacent caput shot coach. John is committed to processing our squad portion continuing to physique connected the beardown foundation. The occurrence is evident since helium arrived connected field successful 2022," Ohio University Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid said successful a statement.

"Over the past 4 seasons, Ohio shot has won 40 games, and John is simply a cardinal portion successful each that goes into our winning program. Additionally, he's a proven leader, and his absorption volition beryllium connected the student-athlete experience, some connected and disconnected the field. We look guardant to John and his household making an contiguous interaction for Ohio University and Bobcat football."

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Ohio interim caput manager John Hauser is doused aft winning the Frisco Bowl against UNLV successful Frisco, Texas, Dec. 23, 2025. (LM Otero/AP Photo)

Hauser came to Ohio successful 2022 arsenic safeties coach. He was promoted to antiaircraft passing crippled coordinator successful 2023 and antiaircraft coordinator earlier the 2024 season. Hauser besides was the subordinate caput manager this season, and present becomes the 31st manager successful schoolhouse history. 

"I americium grateful to President Lori Gonzalez and Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid for the accidental to pb this squad and for their content successful what we tin execute together. I'd similar to convey our players, alumni and fans for the enactment they person shown this programme and for the pridefulness they bring to Ohio University," Hauser said. 

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"This is simply a peculiar spot for my household and me, and we are arrogant to beryllium portion of a assemblage that cares truthful profoundly astir Ohio University and its shot program. I look guardant to hitting the crushed moving with the squad arsenic we look to physique connected the program's contented of occurrence successful 2026 and beyond."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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