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 December 20. Smith praised Hauser for his invaluable contributions to the program, stating, “John is an excellent coach and this promotion reflects the positive impact he makes on our program.”
Hauser joined the Ohio coaching staff in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous tenure as co-defensive coordinator at Miami (Ohio) for eight-years. He was elevated to defensive passing game coordinator in 2023 and became defensive coordinator prior to the 2024 season.
During the 2024 regular season, the Ohio defense excelled under Hauser, leading the Mid-American Conference and ranking fifth nationally in rushing defense with an average of just 94.3 yards allowed per game. The team also boasted an impressive average of 17.46 points allowed per game, placing them 11th in the national rankings, and finished eighth nationally in total defense, permitting only 295.2 yards per game.
In the 2024 MAC Championship, Hauser’s defense put forth a remarkable performance, conceding only three points in Ohio’s dominant 38-3 victory over Miami. This victory marked a historic achievement as it was the first time a team had been held scoreless in touchdowns during a MAC Championship game.
The 2023 season showcased further success for the Bobcats’ defensive unit, which ranked fourth nationally in total defense. Noteworthy performances included limiting Power 5 opponent Iowa State to just seven points and restricting Western Michigan to their lowest rushing total of the season at 79 yards. Additionally, Hauser’s defense established a program record for most turnovers forced in a bowl game with five during the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, where Ohio secured a win against Georgia Southern with a score of 41-21.
Before joining Ohio, Hauser coached standout Quinten Rollins at Miami, who achieved seven interceptions in a single season and was honored as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Rollins was later selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.
Hauser’s coaching trajectory includes stops at The Citadel, Wayne State, Northern Illinois, and Wittenberg. He was also a student-athlete at Wittenberg, where he earned recognition as a three-time all-conference player and a Division III All-American in 2002.
He resides in Ohio with his wife, Seanna, and their children: daughter McKenna, son John Jr. (“JJ”), and twins Jackson and Maria.
This promotion highlights the strong direction of Ohio’s football program, as Hauser’s proven track record of success could further strengthen the team’s future performance on the field. There is a sense of optimism for the upcoming seasons as the team looks to build upon their recent achievements.