Shockwaves at Ohio State: Assistant Coach Abruptly Fired Amid Unfolding Investigation

Ohio State just dropped a bombshell that nobody saw coming—right after hoisting the national championship trophy, they quietly fired defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger following an investigation that started late last year. You know how in football, timing can be everything? Well, this saga unfolded as the Buckeyes were celebrating their Rose Bowl victory, yet behind the scenes, things were anything but rosy. Lyberger, who had been on paid administrative leave since December, now faces allegations that the university’s civil rights compliance office says breached their policy on discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. His attorney calls the accusations “absurd” and the whole process a circus, but the university’s silence speaks volumes. So—what really happens when the thrill of a national title meets the shadow of controversy? Let’s dig in and unpack the layers.

The Columbus Dispatch‘s Joey Kaufman obtained a termination letter sent to defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger on April 23. According to the notice, the university’s civil rights compliance office determined that Lyberger violated the school’s policy against discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

Ohio State placed Lyberger on paid administrative leave during the College Football Playoff on Dec. 27. The Buckeyes defeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl four days later en route to winning the national championship.

Lyberger’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, said Lyberger was accused of stalking a female staffer and spitting into a bottle. He called the allegations “absurd” and claimed the investigation uncovered “zero evidence” of guilt.

“It was the most pathetic sham I’ve ever seen,” Shamansky told the Columbus Dispatch. “The hearing examiner should have been the prosecutor. It was an absolute embarrassment from a legal perspective, in my opinion.”

Lyberger, who played football at Slippery Rock University, worked with Ohio State linebackers after joining Ryan Day’s staff in 2021. He previously coached high school football and wrestling before working as a graduate assistant at Ohio Dominican University and spending two seasons as a defensive assistant at Bucknell.

Lyberger had remained on leave this spring, missing Ohio State’s practices in March and April. According to The Dispatch, Lyberger is ineligible for rehire by Ohio State and was instructed to “return all university property.”

The university declined a request for comment and has not publicly confirmed the firing as of Wednesday morning.

Related: Ohio State Football Coach Being Investigated After National Title