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Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Smith has been fired
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PedenFaithful
12/17/2025 12:26 PM
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University.”

Link to story: https://ohiobobcats.com/news/2025/12/17/ohio-university-h...
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Kinggeorge4
12/17/2025 12:35 PM
Well, we all have been waiting on this for a while.
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GoCats105
12/17/2025 12:36 PM
PedenFaithful wrote:expand_more
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University.”

Link to story: https://ohiobobcats.com/news/2025/12/17/ohio-university-h...
This is even more vague than the original annoucement.
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Mike Coleman
12/17/2025 12:39 PM
What, if anything, did Cromer know? Did she split town before the dirty work needed done?
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colobobcat66
12/17/2025 12:42 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University.”

Link to story: https://ohiobobcats.com/news/2025/12/17/ohio-university-h...
This is even more vague than the original annoucement.
It’s probably all we need to know. Move on
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M.D.W.S.T
12/17/2025 12:42 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University.”

Link to story: https://ohiobobcats.com/news/2025/12/17/ohio-university-h...
This is even more vague than the original annoucement.
I give them some credit for not even attempting to explain.

Ballsy to say his activities reflect unfavorably on the University when no one knows what those activities are...

Perhaps the rumors are true, but here we are - he's fired - and we don't know why and the rumors persist.

Lovely.
Last Edited: 12/17/2025 1:16:22 PM by M.D.W.S.T
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The Optimist
12/17/2025 1:04 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
“The termination follows an administrative review of allegations that Smith violated the terms of his employment agreement by engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University.”

Link to story: https://ohiobobcats.com/news/2025/12/17/ohio-university-h...
This is even more vague than the original annoucement.
It’s probably all we need to know. Move on
Not sure a cover-up is anyone's best interest. The truth cannot stay hidden. Best to rip off the band-aid and get it over with
Last Edited: 12/17/2025 1:04:49 PM by The Optimist
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OhioCatFan
12/17/2025 1:18 PM

I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting:

In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.

Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources.  The truth will probably come out with all the messy details.  The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith.  We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.

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Mike Coleman
12/17/2025 1:24 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting: In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.
Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources. The truth will probably come out with all the messy details. The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith. We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.
I wonder if Smith will:
1. Release a statement or have a teary press conference admitting wrongdoing and go about the process of re-building his life/career.
2. Sue for wrongful termination.

3. Hopefully not what Sherrone Moore did.
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M.D.W.S.T
12/17/2025 1:59 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting: In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.
Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources. The truth will probably come out with all the messy details. The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith. We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.
I wonder if Smith will:
1. Release a statement or have a teary press conference admitting wrongdoing and go about the process of re-building his life/career.
2. Sue for wrongful termination.

3. Hopefully not what Sherrone Moore did.
If reddit, which is COOKIN right now (and the first rumor I heard are true), they should just say it. Because when it leaks THEN it really does reflect unfavorably on the University and looks like you're covering your ass. If you just say it, then it is a HIM problem.

Tough ending for what was a strong year and a good coach I thought would be here for a long time.

Bummer. On to the next.

I doubt hes going to or has a case to sue for wrongful termination considering then details WOULD come out. They didn't fire him because he's a bad coach. Firing the guy who just went 8-4 is likely at the bottom of a new AD's wishlist. Even if the details are between two adults, you can't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar.
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Ted Thompson
12/17/2025 2:02 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting: In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.
Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources. The truth will probably come out with all the messy details. The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith. We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.
I wonder if Smith will:
1. Release a statement or have a teary press conference admitting wrongdoing and go about the process of re-building his life/career.
2. Sue for wrongful termination.

3. Hopefully not what Sherrone Moore did.
Has any coach ever not sued? Worked out well for Pat Fitzgerald.
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Cleveburg Bri
12/17/2025 2:06 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
What, if anything, did Cromer know? Did she split town before the dirty work needed done?
Glad someone took the time to note this. I was getting afraid this elephant in the room would somehow escape notice.
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Mike Coleman
12/17/2025 2:10 PM
Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting: In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.
Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources. The truth will probably come out with all the messy details. The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith. We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.
I wonder if Smith will:
1. Release a statement or have a teary press conference admitting wrongdoing and go about the process of re-building his life/career.
2. Sue for wrongful termination.

3. Hopefully not what Sherrone Moore did.
Has any coach ever not sued? Worked out well for Pat Fitzgerald.
If he does sue, allegations come to light. Guess we will see.
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cbarber357
12/17/2025 2:14 PM
At least Brian can go out with the knowledge that he holds the all-time highest winning percentage for an Ohio head coach. Could be a fun piece of trivia a decade or so from now.
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Ted Thompson
12/17/2025 2:16 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting: In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.
Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources. The truth will probably come out with all the messy details. The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith. We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.
I wonder if Smith will:
1. Release a statement or have a teary press conference admitting wrongdoing and go about the process of re-building his life/career.
2. Sue for wrongful termination.

3. Hopefully not what Sherrone Moore did.
Has any coach ever not sued? Worked out well for Pat Fitzgerald.
If he does sue, allegations come to light. Guess we will see.
Could he argue that since he didn't have a signed employment contract until relatively recently he would have no way of knowing what was/wasn't a violation?
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Mike Coleman
12/17/2025 2:19 PM
Has anyone noticed that not one player has yet taken to social media in support of Coach Smith during this ordeal? Sometimes in life it isn't what's said as much as what isn't said. I am wondering if this changes now that the decision has been made. Guess we will see.
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Mike Coleman
12/17/2025 2:24 PM
Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
I thought that this quote from the The Athletic, a NYT publication, was interesting: In the wake of Smith being placed on leave on Dec. 1, multiple sources familiar with the coach and the Ohio football program told The Athletic they were surprised at the decision and in the dark as to why it was made. One source noted that some football staffers were notified of the leave less than an hour before the university’s announcement and were given no further details. The program accepted its bowl bid and went through the National Signing Day period for high school recruiting after Smith was placed on leave, signing 20 high school prospects to the 2026 recruiting class.
Seems to me that this indicates that the NYT will be asking further questions, and interviewing other sources. The truth will probably come out with all the messy details. The university will end up looking like they stonewalled, but from a legal standpoint that was probably the best, as they avoid libel suits from Brian Smith. We have some real lawyers on this board, and they can tell me whether I've got that right or not.
I wonder if Smith will:
1. Release a statement or have a teary press conference admitting wrongdoing and go about the process of re-building his life/career.
2. Sue for wrongful termination.

3. Hopefully not what Sherrone Moore did.
Has any coach ever not sued? Worked out well for Pat Fitzgerald.
If he does sue, allegations come to light. Guess we will see.
Could he argue that since he didn't have a signed employment contract until relatively recently he would have no way of knowing what was/wasn't a violation?
Yes, unless the violations were standard. People have to watch those videos and everything, even students. Guess we will see.
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rpbobcat
12/17/2025 2:30 PM
The story is now all over the internet and the #2 click bait on AOL.
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spongeBOB CATpants
12/17/2025 2:36 PM
Bad enough to label this as "serious professional misconduct" but not serious enough to state the misconduct.

Also, are we not allowed to talk about it on here? Either the rumors are true or they aren't.
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Bobcat1996
12/17/2025 2:40 PM
Cleveburg Bri wrote:expand_more
What, if anything, did Cromer know? Did she split town before the dirty work needed done?
Glad someone took the time to note this. I was getting afraid this elephant in the room would somehow escape notice.
Are you kidding? The former AD is the one who created the mess last season with Coach Albin. Many on this message board didn’t want to hear what I mentioned 12 months ago.
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Doc Bobcat
12/17/2025 2:43 PM
spongeBOB CATpants wrote:expand_more
Bad enough to label this as "serious professional misconduct" but not serious enough to state the misconduct.

Also, are we not allowed to talk about it on here? Either the rumors are true or they aren't.
Probably not but there are people that know the details and have been spilling the beans so to speak for some time.
Last Edited: 12/17/2025 2:44:46 PM by Doc Bobcat
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Bobcatzblitz
12/17/2025 2:53 PM
spongeBOB CATpants wrote:expand_more
Bad enough to label this as "serious professional misconduct" but not serious enough to state the misconduct.

Also, are we not allowed to talk about it on here? Either the rumors are true or they aren't.

The “Good Ole Boys” Circle the Wagon for their own.
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GoCats105
12/17/2025 2:55 PM
Last Edited: 12/17/2025 2:56:12 PM by GoCats105
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mid70sbobcat
12/17/2025 3:03 PM
Just saw this from Brian's attorney:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G8ZOBoSWUAEEom-?format=jpg&na...
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Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
12/17/2025 3:03 PM
Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
Could he argue that since he didn't have a signed employment contract until relatively recently he would have no way of knowing what was/wasn't a violation?
He never stopped being an employee of Ohio University though, so he always had an employment agreement. He'd have to make the case that the behavior was somehow acceptable when he was an assistant coach, but not as head coach. Seems unlikely to me.
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