Ohio University fired head football coach Brian Smith for violating school's alcohol policy: reports

Urban Meyer, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn, and Mark Ingram reacted after Indiana defeated Ohio State to win the Big Ten Championship.

Ohio University’s termination for cause involving head football coach Brian Smith reportedly involved a violation of the school’s policy related to "alcohol and other drugs."

Smith’s personnel file with the university was obtained by The Athletic, which stated he met with athletic director Slade Larscheid and other administrators on Nov. 24 to discuss an allegation that Smith violated not just the school’s policy, but his contract as well.

The file had a Nov. 24 letter detailing the meeting, where Smith allegedly acknowledged storing alcohol in his desk drawer, while also admitting to the consumption of alcohol in his office during business hours.

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Brian Smith of the Ohio Bobcats during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights  on Aug. 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

The letter also said Smith acknowledged "on occasion, a few assistant coaches, all over the age of 21, joined him privately in his office after games for a single drink of bourbon."

According to Ohio University employee policy 41.133, it is prohibited to "use, possess, manufacture or distribute drugs and/alcohol, or be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, while in the workplace or in university vehicles and equipment and while on duty."

OHIO UNIVERSITY FIRES HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR ‘SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT’

Smith added that he and the others who were allegedly involved were never under the influence, while insisting alcohol did not affect his performance.

"You further acknowledged that you were initially