ATHENS, Ohio – John Hauser has been promoted to associate head coach and will continue to serve as the defensive coordinator, as announced by Head Coach Brian Smith on Friday, December 20.
“John is an excellent coach, and this promotion reflects the significant positive impact he has made on our program,” Coach Smith stated. “Year after year, he has elevated our defense, and he genuinely cares for our student-athletes. I am grateful to have him on our staff and to recognize him as our associate head coach.”
Hauser joined Ohio in 2022 after an extensive tenure as the co-defensive coordinator at Miami (Ohio), where he served for eight seasons. He was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator in 2023 and became the defensive coordinator prior to the 2024 season.
During the 2024 regular season, Hauser’s defense made impressive strides, leading the Mid-American Conference and ranking fifth nationally in rushing defense by allowing just 94.3 yards per game. The team also allowed only 17.46 points per game, good for 11th in the nation and again top in the MAC. In total defense metrics, Ohio ranked eighth nationally, permitting an average of 295.2 yards per game.
In an outstanding performance during the 2024 MAC Championship, Hauser’s unit limited Miami to just three points, resulting in a 38-3 victory for Ohio. This performance marked a historic achievement, as it was the first instance of a team being held scoreless in terms of touchdowns in a MAC Championship game.
The 2023 season also showcased Hauser’s defensive prowess, as the Bobcats ranked fourth in the nation for total defense. Noteworthy accomplishments included restricting Power 5 competitor Iowa State to a mere seven points, limiting Western Michigan to their lowest rushing total of the season (79 yards), and setting a program record for the most turnovers in a bowl game (five) during the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, where Ohio triumphed 41-21 over Georgia Southern.
While at Miami, Hauser coached standout Quinten Rollins, who, in his sole season with the RedHawks, notched seven interceptions and earned the title of MAC Defensive Player of the Year before being drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers.
Prior to his time at Miami, Hauser worked as the safeties coach for two seasons at The Citadel and has held coaching positions at Wayne State, Northern Illinois, and Wittenberg throughout his career.
A former student-athlete at Wittenberg, Hauser earned recognition as a three-time all-conference player and was named a Division III All-American in 2002. He lives with his wife, Seanna, and their children: daughter McKenna; son John Jr. (“JJ”); and twins Jackson and Maria.
This promotion for Hauser reflects a commitment to maintaining a strong coaching staff dedicated to developing both players’ skills and teamwork on the field, reinforcing a bright future for Ohio football.