Ohio promotes DC Hauser to head coach to replace Smith

RAYMOND CARLIN III / IMAGN IMAGES

Ohio interim head coach John Hauser was doused with water after the Bobcats defeated UNLV in the Firsco Bowl in Frisco, Texas. Hauser was announced as the new head coach on Friday.

Ohio University promoted defensive coordinator John Hauser to head coach on Friday, three days after he led the Bobcats to victory in the Frisco Bowl.

Hauser, 45, was named interim coach after Ohio fired head coach and former Hawaii player and assistant coach Brian Smith for cause on Dec. 17. Hauser guided Ohio to a 17-10 win against UNLV on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.

It is the first head coaching position for Hauser, a Columbus, Ohio, native who just completed his fourth season on the Bobcats’ coaching staff.

“We are thrilled to announce John Hauser as our next head football coach. John is committed to developing our team while continuing to build on the strong foundation. The success is evident since he arrived on campus in 2022,” athletic director Slade Larscheid said.

“Over the past four seasons, Ohio football has won 40 games, and John is a key piece in all that goes into our winning program. Additionally, he’s a proven leader, and his focus will be on the student-athlete experience, both on and off the field. We look forward to John and his family making an immediate impact for Ohio University and Bobcat football.”

The Bobcats finished 9-4 this season, improving to 40-14 since the start of the 2022 campaign. Hauser coached the safeties that season, was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024 and added associate head coach duties in 2025.

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“I am grateful to President Lori Gonzalez and Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid for the opportunity to lead this team and for their belief in what we can accomplish together. I’d like to thank our players, alumni and fans for the support they have shown this program and for the pride they bring to Ohio University,” Hauser said.

“This is a special place for my family and me, and we are proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about Ohio University and its football program,” Hauser said. “I look forward to hitting the ground running with the team as we look to build on the program’s tradition of success in 2026 and beyond.”

Hauser has also coached at Miami (Ohio), The Citadel, Wayne State and Northern Illinois, dating back to 2003.

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