Ohio University promoted Brian Smith to head coach on Wednesday. Smith, 44, was elevated from offensive coordinator to interim coach last week after Tim Albin departed to become the head coach at Charlotte.

Jacksonville State won its first Conference USA championship in only its second year playing FBS football. Now the leader and architect of the program's transition from the FCS level is off to West Virginia.

Tim Albin rose to the head coaching position at Ohio after previously serving as the team's offensive coordinator under Frank Solich. He left the Bobcats for the head coaching opportunity at Charlotte after going an impressive 33-19 with three-straight 10-win seasons to his credit after a 3-9 debut season at the helm.

Ohio promoted Brian Smith to become its permanent head coach Wednesday. Smith, who served as the Bobcats' offensive coordinator this season and has been part of the staff since 2022, was named interim head coach Dec. 9 after Tim Albin's departure to Charlotte. Smith will receive a five-year contract from the school, according to a source.

Smith joined Ohio in 2022 as RBs coach, became OC in 2024 and has been the interim head coach since Tim Albin recently left for Charlotte.

Brian Smith exemplifies the essence of the Ohio University community,” Ohio University president Lori Stewart Gonzalez said via press release. ”He is a values-based coach w