ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University fired football coach Brian Smith because of what it called “serious professional misconduct.” Smith was placed on indefinite leave on Dec. 1.

The university said Wednesday it terminated his contract for cause after an administrative review. The 45-year-old Smith became head coach in December 2024 after Tim Albin left for Charlotte.

He joined Ohio as running backs coach and passing game coordinator in 2022, then became associate head coach in 2023 and offensive coordinator in 2024.

The Bobcats went 9-4 under Smith, including a Cure Bowl win. Defensive coordinator John Hauser will serve as interim coach for the Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23 against UNLV.

Weaver stays in New York

NEW YORK — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that relief pitcher Luke Weaver has agreed to a $22 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets, joining Clay Holmes and Devin Williams as former Yankees on a rebuilt pitching staff.

Weaver had a 1.05 ERA and eight saves in nine chances over 24 games before getting hurt, then returned in late June and had a 5.31 ERA with no saves in three chances over 40 games.

A 32-year-old right-hander, Weaver supplanted a struggling Holmes at the Yankees closer in September 2024, was replaced by Williams at the start of 2025, then took over from a faltering Williams late last April only to strain his left hamstring on June 1.

Elsewhere in MLB:

n Closer Kenley Jansen and the Detroit Tigers finalized an $11 million, one-year contract that includes a club option for 2026. Jansen, fourth on the career list with 476 saves, gets a $9 million salary next season and the Tigers hold a $12 million option with a $2 million buyout. A 38-year-old right-hander, Jansen is a four-time All-Star who was NL Reliever of the Year. He pitched for the Angels this past season.

The Associated Press