Ohio State Football Team Fires WR Coach Zach Smith After Domestic Violence Allegations

The Ohio State football program has made a decision on wide receivers coach Zach Smith. On Monday night, the Buckeyes announced that Smith has been fired after being named in multiple domestic violence allegations. Smith was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing last week and previous reports show Smith was allegedly involved in domestic violence incidents in 2009 and 2015, while his ex-wife has filed a domestic violence protection order against him.
“Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has announced the termination of wide receiver’s coach Zach Smith,” the Ohio State University Department of Athletics said in a statement. “Coaching staff adjustments will be announced at a later date.”
There is some belief that former Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline, who is in his second year as a quality control coach with the program, could be the front-runner to replace Smith.


Smith previously worked with Urban Meyer at Florida, where some of the earlier domestic violence allegations took place. College football analyst Brett McMurphy provided more details on the allegations. There is no word on whether Ohio State fired Smith under the just cause clause, but if that was the case they will not need to pay his $340,000 salary.

“Commission of or participation in by coach any act, situation, or occurrence, or any conduct which, in Ohio State’s judgment, brings coach and/or Ohio State, into public disrepute, embarrassment, contempt, scandal, or ridicule.”

The Buckeyes kickoff the 2018 college football season on Saturday, Sept. 1 against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

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