Ohio places coach Brian Smith on leave, John Hauser named interim

A coaching change took place in Athens, OH, on Monday without anybody being fired. Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith was placed on leave, doing so for an “undetermined period of time.” No reasoning for the move was provided in a release from the school.

Defensive coordinator John Hauser will take over as the interim. He was also the associate head coach, moving into the role around this time last year.

“John Hauser has been named Interim Head Coach of the Ohio football program,” a statement from Ohio said. “Hauser has served as associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bobcats since December 2024 and has been with the team since 2022. Head Coach Brian Smith will be on leave for an undetermined period of time beginning December 1.”

Charlie Fadel of The Post reached out to see if Smith was put on leave with or without pay. They responded to him, saying, “No information to share beyond the posted announcement at this time.”

One more game will pop up on the schedule for Ohio this year. Getting to eight wins means a bowl game will take place. Exactly which one has not yet been determined. We will find out on Dec. 7, soon after the College Football Playoff is sorted out.

Right now, it does not appear as if Smith will be on the sidelines to guide the Bobcats. Hauser takes over, at least for the time being.

More on Brian Smith and John Hauser, success at Ohio during 2025 season

Smith just wrapped up his first season as the head coach, helping Ohio to an 8-4 record. Two of those losses were to Big Ten opponents, Ohio State and Rutgers. However, a home win over West Virginia was a big boost, helping guide them to an undefeated record at Peden Stadium. The Bobcats went 6-2 when facing MAC opponents, just missing out on the conference championship game.

This was the sixth season overall of Smith being at Ohio, working in multiple assistant roles. His tenure back in 2022 began as the passing game coordinator and running backs coach. Ohio then added the title of assistant head coach the following year. One more promotion came in 2024 as Smith worked as the offensive coordinator.

A similar story can be told regarding Hauser, just on the defensive end. He started in 2022 as the safeties coach before becoming the defensive coordinator in 2024. Now, he gets a shot to be the head coach in whatever bowl game Ohio plays in.