John Hauser Appointed as Ohio Football Head Coach
Ohio University has named John Hauser as the new head football coach, a decision announced on December 26, 2025, by Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid. Hauser becomes the 31st head coach in the program’s history.
Commitment to Excellence
In his announcement, Larscheid expressed enthusiasm about Hauser’s promotion. He highlighted Hauser’s dedication to the team’s development and his vital role in the football program’s recent success. Under his leadership, Ohio football recorded 40 wins over the last four seasons, a remarkable achievement.
Hauser’s Background and Achievements
Hauser took on the interim head coach role on December 1, 2025. Before this, he had been the associate head coach since the 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl. His previous positions included defensive passing game coordinator in 2023 and defensive coordinator prior to the 2024 season. He joined Ohio in 2022, coming from Miami (Ohio), where he served as co-defensive coordinator for eight years.
Impressive Season Performance
In the recently concluded season, Ohio achieved a significant milestone by winning their seventh consecutive bowl game. They defeated the UNLV Rebels, 17-10, in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on December 23. This victory marked the 40th win for the Bobcats in four seasons, surpassing their previous record of 36 wins from 2009 to 2012.
- 2025 Regular Season Highlights:
- Home record: 6-0, extending the home winning streak to 13 games.
- Defensive performance against West Virginia on September 6: Limited to just 10 points.
- 2024 Regular Season Achievements:
- Ranked first in the Mid-American Conference for rushing defense, allowing 94.3 yards per game.
- Allowed only 17.46 points per game, ranking 11th nationally.
- Final total defense ranking: 8th in the nation, allowing 295.2 yards per game.
Hauser’s Vision for the Future
Hauser expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team, thanking President Lori Gonzalez and Larscheid, as well as players, alumni, and fans for their unwavering support. He emphasized his commitment to enriching both the on-field and off-field experiences for student-athletes at Ohio University.
Coaching Record and Legacy
Before his tenure at Ohio, Hauser coached at Miami and previously at The Citadel, Wayne State, and Northern Illinois. Notably, he helped develop Quinten Rollins, a MAC Defensive Player of the Year who was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Hauser has crafted a reputation for building strong, competitive defenses and fostering talent capable of succeeding at higher levels.
As Hauser steps into his new role, the Bobcats are poised to continue their tradition of success in the coming seasons. Details regarding Hauser’s future media availability will be announced early next year.
