Athens, Ohio – In a move signaling stability and confidence in the program’s trajectory, Ohio University Head Football Coach John Hauser announced Thursday that eight assistant coaches will return for the 2026 season.
Continuity on Both Sides of the Ball
The coaching staff will see continued leadership on offense with Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Scott Isphording remaining in his role. Kyle Obly will transition to the role of Passing Game Coordinator, adding to his responsibilities as Tight Ends Coach. Blair Cavanaugh will also return as the Special Teams Coordinator. On the defensive side, all position coaches will continue in their current roles, demonstrating a commitment to the defensive strategies that have proven successful.
The returning defensive coaches include Running Game Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach Tremayne Scott, Defensive Passing Game Coordinator, Cornerbacks Coach and Director of Player Development De’Angelo Smith, Pass Rush Specialist and Defensive Ends Coach Jeff Phelps, Linebackers Coach Chris Woods, and Defensive Assistant Coach and Director of High School Relations Joe Tresey.
Hauser Emphasizes Staff Cohesion
Coach Hauser expressed the importance of retaining key personnel, stating, “Carrying over so many coaches who contributed to the program’s success over the last four years in particular was very important to me.” He further emphasized his confidence in the staff’s dedication to Ohio University and its student-athletes.
Recent Successes Fuel Confidence
This announcement comes on the heels of a highly successful 2025 season, which culminated in the Bobcats’ seventh-straight bowl win – a 17-10 victory over UNLV in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on December 23rd. The team finished the regular season with a perfect 6-0 record at home, extending their home winning streak to 13 games. Ohio’s offense, led by All-MAC selections Sieh Bangura and Davion Weatherspoon, was the best rushing attack in the MAC.
Defensively, the Bobcats have consistently ranked among the top five in the MAC in points allowed over the past three seasons, demonstrating a strong foundation that the returning staff is poised to build upon.
Looking Ahead
With a largely intact coaching staff, the Bobcats could be well-positioned to continue their winning ways in the upcoming 2026 season. The continuity could facilitate a smoother transition for incoming players and allow for further refinement of existing strategies. However, maintaining success requires ongoing adaptation, and the team may face challenges from evolving conference competition. It is likely that the coaching staff will focus on building upon the strengths demonstrated in 2025 – a strong running game and a consistently effective defense – while seeking opportunities for improvement in other areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What positions will have new coaches in 2026?
The announcement indicates that no position coaches will be new in 2026, as all eight assistant coaches from the 2025 staff will be returning. Kyle Obly will be taking on additional responsibilities as Passing Game Coordinator.
How successful has the Ohio football program been recently?
The Bobcats achieved 40 wins in the last four seasons, which is the program’s best four-year span in its history. They also secured their seventh-straight bowl win in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl.
What was Coach Hauser’s reasoning for retaining so many coaches?
Coach Hauser stated that retaining coaches who contributed to the program’s success over the last four years was “very important” and that he believes the staff deeply cares about Ohio University and its student-athletes.
Will the Bobcats be able to maintain their current level of success with this returning coaching staff?
