The Ohio Bobcats achieved an 8-4 record in their first season under head coach Brian Smith. In a surprising move, the school announced on Monday that Smith has been placed on leave for an “undetermined period of time,” appointing defensive coordinator John Hauser as the interim coach.

Details surrounding the reasons for Smith’s leave have not been disclosed. However, Hauser is expected to lead the Bobcats through their upcoming bowl game and manage the team until further notice. Smith’s leave became effective from December 1.

Initially, Smith filled in as interim coach last year after Tim Albin’s departure to the Charlotte 49ers. Under Albin, the Bobcats captured their first Mid-American Conference title since 1968, but he stepped down prior to the bowl game. Following that, Smith was named head coach in full.

Before coming to Ohio in 2022, Smith served as the offensive coordinator at Hawaii and Washington State.

Hauser has a wealth of experience coaching within the MAC, having worked with Northern Illinois and Miami (OH) before joining the Bobcats’ staff in 2022. He has ascended from safeties coach to defensive coordinator and associate head coach, and is now stepping into the interim head coaching role.

The Bobcats went 6-2 in conference play this season but missed out on returning to the MAC title game due to tiebreakers against Miami (OH). Miami is set to compete against Western Michigan for the conference championship on Saturday. According to CBS Sports’ bowl projections, Ohio is anticipated to face Penn State in the GameAbove Sports Bowl scheduled for December 26.

The Bobcats will officially learn about their bowl destination on Selection Sunday, December 7.