As the 2018 season approaches, the Ohio State football program has parted ways with an assistant coach. On Monday evening, the Buckeyes announced the firing of wide receivers coach Zach Smith, who has been a member of Urban Meyer's staff since the head coach's arrival in 2012.
Smith's was publicly announced nearly 12 hours after college football insider Brett McMurphy reported that Smith's ex-wife had received a domestic violence civil protection order against the assistant coach. In addition to the order, which stemmed from a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing, McMurphy revealed two accusations of domestic violence that had been levied against Smith from his ex-wife.
The first came in 2009 when Smith was a graduate assistant for Meyer at Florida. According to a Gainesville Police Department report, the then 24-year-old was arrested for aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, although his then-wife later declined to press charges.
The second accusation against Smith -- now 34 -- came in 2015, when he was arrested on felony counts of domestic violence and felonious assault against his then-wife. Per McMurphy, a police report indicated Courtney Smith suffered unspecified injuries and “she has been a victim of sustained physical abuse."
The 2015 case remains open. Smith divorced in 2016.
Smith is the grandson of former Ohio State head coach Earle Bruce, who passed away earlier this year. In a statement, Ohio State said that "coaching staff adjustments will be announced at a later date."
Big Ten media days are currently ongoing in Chicago. Meyer is slated to speak with the press on Tuesday.
