Ohio U. removes interim tag from coach Brian Smith

Ohio University promoted Brian Smith to head coach on Wednesday.

Smith, 44, was elevated from offensive coordinator to interim coach last week after Tim Albin departed to become the head coach at Charlotte.

The Bobcats (10-3, 7-1 Mid-American Conference) reached double-digit wins for the third straight season in 2024 and will face Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl on Friday in Orlando, Fla.

"Ohio Bobcat Football has been on a historic run in recent years, and Brian Smith has been a significant part of not only our MAC Championship team, but also our established culture of winning," athletic director Julie Cromer said. "During the course of a national search that attracted several outstanding candidates, Coach Smith ultimately stood out above the rest. He presented a plan for not only sustaining our culture and foundation but also building upon it in the evolving landscape of college football."

Smith originally joined the Ohio staff as the running backs coach and passing game coordinator in 2022 and added another title as associate head coach in 2023.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Ohio University football program," Smith said. "Coach (Frank) Solich and Albin laid the foundation for our success brick-by-brick, developing a culture that is second to none. Our culture and values will be protected and will continue to thrive, producing tremendous young men who are champions on the field and in our communities."

Smith's Ohio offense led the MAC this year in scoring (29.2) and total offense (399.2). The Bobcats smashed Miami (OH) 38-3 to win the MAC championship game on Dec. 7.

This is the first head coaching position for Smith, who was an assistant at Washington State (2020-21) and his alma mater Hawaii (2008-11, 2016-19).

--Field Level Media