The Ohio Bobcats wrapped up an 8-4 season under first-year head coach Brian Smith, a solid showing by any standard-especially in the always unpredictable Mid-American Conference. But just as the team was preparing for bowl season, the program took an unexpected turn.
On Monday, Ohio announced that Smith has been placed on leave for an "undetermined period of time," effective December 1. Defensive coordinator and associate head coach John Hauser will step in as interim head coach.
The school hasn’t released any details about why Smith was placed on leave, and for now, the focus shifts to Hauser, who’s expected to lead the Bobcats into their bowl game later this month. It’s a sudden change at a pivotal moment, but Hauser is no stranger to leadership responsibilities within this program.
Smith’s rise to the head coaching job was a whirlwind. After Tim Albin left to take the Charlotte job-just after leading Ohio to its first MAC title since 1968-Smith was elevated from within to serve as interim coach for the Cure Bowl.
Shortly after, he was promoted to the full-time role. Smith brought with him a strong offensive background, having served as the OC at both Hawaii (his alma mater) and Washington State before joining the Bobcats in 2022.
Hauser, meanwhile, has deep MAC roots. He’s logged time at Northern Illinois and Miami (OH) before joining Ohio’s staff in 2022.
Since then, he’s steadily climbed the ladder, going from safeties coach to defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Now, he’ll have the opportunity to steer the ship through bowl season and potentially beyond, depending on how things unfold with Smith’s leave.
On the field, the Bobcats turned in a strong campaign, going 6-2 in MAC play. Unfortunately for them, tiebreakers kept them out of the conference title game. Miami (OH), who edged out Ohio in the standings, will face Western Michigan for the MAC championship on Saturday.
As for Ohio, their postseason destination is still taking shape, but current projections have them slotted into the GameAbove Sports Bowl on December 26, with a potential matchup against Penn State. That would be a big-stage opportunity for Hauser and this Bobcats squad to close the season on a high note.
While the coaching situation remains fluid, the Bobcats have shown resilience all year. With Hauser at the helm and a bowl game on the horizon, Ohio will look to finish strong and build momentum heading into what could be another offseason of transition.