The Ohio University football program is entering a new era as it shifts its focus toward the 2026 season with a permanent leader at the helm. After a month of significant change that culminated in a postseason trophy, John Hauser officially had his interim tag removed on Friday, December 26.

This promotion comes shortly after he guided the Bobcats to a gritty 17-10 victory over UNLV in the Frisco Bowl on December 23. The university made the move to ensure stability following the firing of former coach Brian Smith on December 18 due to professional misconduct.

Hauser is no stranger to the sidelines in Athens. He joined the staff in 2022 as a safeties coach before climbing the ranks to defensive coordinator and associate head coach. His impact on the program has been undeniable, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

This past season, the Bobcats boasted one of the best defenses in the nation, ranking eighth in total yards allowed per game and eleventh in scoring defense. Athletic director Slade Larscheid noted that Hauser has been a key piece of the program’s 40 wins over the last four seasons.

The bowl game in Frisco, Texas, served as a final audition for Hauser, who was named interim coach on December 1. The 17-10 victory allowed the Bobcats to finish the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, marking a successful end to a difficult chapter for the team. Hauser expressed his pride in the community and the university, stating he is eager to build on the school’s tradition of success as they look toward the 2026 season opener against Nebraska.

While Ohio football fans are celebrating their new coach, sports fans in other parts of the country are navigating a different kind of growth in the industry. For instance, many people are looking for popular betting sites in florida to stay connected with their favorite southern teams during the bowl season. According to Brett Curtis, a senior writer at Esports Insider, these platforms provide bettors with more variety and better market depth than some state-regulated options.

Using popular betting sites in florida offers several distinct advantages for fans, such as the ability to place player props on in-state college games which are often restricted on local apps. These platforms also tend to provide much larger welcome bonuses and more diverse payment methods, including the use of various cryptocurrencies for faster payouts. This shift in how fans engage with sports is happening nationwide, from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast.

Hauser becomes the third head coach for the Bobcats in as many seasons, following the departures of Tim Albin and Smith. Despite the frequent changes at the top, the program has managed to remain competitive in the Mid-American Conference. The university is betting that Hauser’s familiarity with the roster and his proven defensive schemes will provide the long-term leadership the team needs.

With the bowl victory behind them, the focus now shifts to recruiting and preparing for a challenging 2026 schedule, ensuring the team remains a top contender for the conference championship while bringing much needed stability to the locker room.