Ohio University officially appoints Brian Smith as head coach, removing interim title
Ohio University appointed Brian Smith as head coach on Wednesday.
Smith, 44, was promoted from offensive coordinator to interim coach last week after Tim Albin left to become the head coach at Charlotte.
The Bobcats (10-3, 7-1 Mid-American Conference) achieved double-digit wins for the third consecutive season in 2024 and will face Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl on Friday in Orlando, Fla.
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\"Ohio Bobcat Football has been on a remarkable streak in recent years, and Brian Smith has played a significant role in not only our MAC Championship team, but also our established winning culture,\" stated athletic director Julie Cromer. \"Throughout a national search that attracted numerous exceptional candidates, Coach Smith ultimately stood out among the rest. He presented a plan for not only maintaining our culture and foundation, but also building upon it in the ever-changing landscape of college football.\"
Smith initially joined the Ohio staff as the running backs coach and passing game coordinator in 2022 and added the title of associate head coach in 2023.
\"I am privileged to lead the Ohio University football program,\" Smith expressed. \"Coach (Frank) Solich and Albin laid the groundwork for our success step-by-step, cultivating a culture that is unparalleled. Our culture and values will be safeguarded and will continue to flourish, producing exceptional young men who are champions both on the field and in our communities.\"
Smith's Ohio offense led the MAC this season in scoring (29.2) and total offense (399.2). The Bobcats dominated Miami (OH) 38-3 to win the MAC championship game on December 7th.
This marks Smith's first head coaching position, having previously served as an assistant at Washington State (2020-21) and his alma mater Hawaii (2008-11, 2016-19).
