Ohio head coach Brian Smith on leave; John Hauser named interim

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The Mid-American Conference had been a quiet league amidst a chaotic coaching carousel — operating as one of two conferences, along with Conference USA, to not create a head coaching vacancy from the start of the season through November.

But on Dec. 1, an unexpected head coaching move was made. Ohio Bobcats head coach Brian Smith was placed on leave for an unknown period of time, thrusting defensive coordinator John Hauser into the role as interim head coach.

Smith onboarded at Ohio in 2022 as a running backs coach and passing game coordinator, continuing to climb up the ranks in each season. He took on an associate head coach role in 2023 and then an offensive coordinator role in 2024. As offensive coordinator, Smith led the Bobcats to a 2024 MAC championship — the program’s first conference title since 1968. When head coach Tim Albin departed for Charlotte later that night, Smith was named the interim head coach for the Cure Bowl. He ultimately shed the interim label and received administration’s blessing to become the full-time head coach prior to the Cure Bowl, where he defeated Jacksonville State 30-27 — capping Ohio’s first 11-win season in history.

Smith spent his first full season coaching Ohio in 2025, posting an 8-4 regular season record and 6-2 conference standing. He guided the Bobcats to a notable non-conference victory over West Virginia in September and earned a marquee MAC victory over Miami (OH) in November. However, despite the favorable head-to-head result, Ohio lost a three-way tiebreaker to Miami for the final spot in the MAC Championship Game, denying the Bobcats an opportunity to repeat.

Ohio will continue its season in a bowl game that will be revealed Sunday, Dec. 7. Hauser is expected to serve as the interim head coach for that game. He is currently in his fourth year on staff, originating as a safeties coach before his promotion to defensive coordinator in 2024. Hauser has never operated in a head coaching role before, but the upcoming bowl game will be his first opportunity at leading a team.

The reason for Smith’s departure is unknown as of the evening of Monday, Dec. 1.

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