ATHENS, Ohio – Following the announcement of Tim Albin's departure, Ohio Director of Athletics Julie Cromer named associate head coach and offensive coordinator Brian Smith interim head coach for the Bobcats' StaffDNA Cure Bowl appearance.
 
"We want to thank Tim for his almost two decades of service to Ohio University, first as an assistant coach and then four years as our Head Coach, during which he led us to a Mid-American Conference championship this past weekend," Cromer said. "Our program has a strong foundation because of Tim, his staff and our student-athletes, and we wish him, his wife, Brooke, and their family all the best at their next stop."
 
"Our search for a new head football coach has begun and we have already received interest from strong candidates with exceptional experience," Cromer added. "We are a championship program with a proud history, incredible fans, institutional alignment and a commitment to excellence. I am confident we will identify a new head coach who will continue our success."
 
Smith's offense in 2024 led the MAC in multiple statistical categories, including yards per game. In the 2024 MAC Championship, Smith's offense produced 467 yards in Ohio's 38-3 win over Miami. Ohio had 232 yards on the ground, while quarterback Parker Navarro was 20-of-27 with 235 yards passing and four total TDs.
 
With Smith on staff at Ohio, the Bobcats have produced 11 All-MAC offensive honorees, one offensive MAC Player of the Year honoree and one MAC Freshman of the Year honoree. Ohio has won both the Arizona Bowl and Myrtle Beach Bowl during Smith's time.
 
Defensive coordinator and safeties coach John Hauser will continue to lead the defense. Hauser led the Mid-American Conference and is seventh nationally in rushing defense. In the MAC Championship game, the defense allowed just three points in Ohio's 38-3 win over Miami, marking the first time a team had been held to no touchdowns in a MAC Championship game.
 
With Hauser on staff, Ohio has produced 11 All-MAC defensive honorees, including two first-team linebackers in 2023.
 
The Bobcats will take on Jacksonville State in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl on Dec. 20. The game will be shown live on ESPN at noon. For tickets and more information, visit OhioBobcats.com/CureBowl2024.