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 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.
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.
“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. 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.
