Ohio University football coach Brian Smith was fired from the school after he admitted to having an affair with an undergraduate student. Per reporting from The Columbus Dispatch, records indicate Smith's contract ended on Wednesday, December 17. In a letter to Smith from the university's President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, the disgraced coach was accused of conducting the affair at the Ohio University Inn. The letter also stated the student was not a member of the athletic department and that Smith ended their relationship in November, the outlet noted. Smith's attorney Rex Elliott also insisted the relationship "was between consenting adults" and that the school has "no policy prohibiting an employee from dating a student." "It is clear that OU is motivated to go after Coach Smith - without even getting his side of the true facts," Elliott also wrote, per The Dispatch. "There is zero basis for a 'for cause' termination and Coach Smith intends to vigorously pursue litigation should OU continue down this reckless path." Michigan QB Bryce Underwood Breaks Silence After Sherrone Moore Arrest The latest admission offers more insight into the university's seemingly abrupt decision to first place Smith on administrative leave in early December. In a statement shared via X Wednesday, Elliott insisted, "He (Smith) is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name. Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches, and the entire Bobcat community." The Dispatch also previously reported Smith and his now ex-wife were separated at the time the relationship with the student began. Elliott further added that Smith did not know the undergrad was a student when they met. Brian Smith Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Smith was first told he would be placed on leave on December 1, the same day the university announced the news via press release. "John Hauser has been named Interim Head Coach of the Ohio football program. Hauser has served as associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bobcats since December 2024 and has been with the team since 2022," the statement read. "Head Coach Brian Smith will be on leave for an undetermined period of time beginning December 1. Hauser's leadership of Ohio's defense has been credited as one of the factors that led the team to its Mid-American Conference Championship in 2024," the statement continued. "The Bobcats wrapped up their regular season play Friday, November 28 in Buffalo with a 31-26 win against the Bulls. Ohio (8-4, 6-2 MAC) is awaiting a bowl selection, which will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 7." Ex-Girlfriend of Bengals' Joe Burrow Makes Rare Appearance Supporting Titans At the time, Elliott said Smith was not given any information about why he was placed on leave, and insisted that no allegations or charges had been brought against his client. Smith also denied "all wrongdoing and will fight any allegations brought against him." Smith was going through a divorce when the school made its decision, and documents reviewed by WOUB appeared to indicate his personal life was not connected to the decision to place him on leave. The divorce was finalized December 9.