Ohio State football has fired quality control coach Joe Lyberger following an investigation by the university’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance. The termination letter, obtained by The Columbus Dispatch and issued on April 23, 2025, stated that Lyberger violated the university’s policy prohibiting non-discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Lyberger had been placed on paid administrative leave on December 27, 2024, while the investigation was underway. This meant he was not with the team for their College Football Playoff run, which culminated in a national championship victory. He also missed all 15 of the team’s spring practices.
According to reports, the investigation stemmed from allegations of Lyberger stalking a female staff member and spitting into a water bottle. Lyberger’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, has stated that the allegations are “absurd” and that there is “zero evidence.”
Following his dismissal, Ohio State has directed Lyberger to return all university property and has stated that he is not eligible for rehire. The university has declined to comment further on the matter, citing that it is a personal issue.
Joe Lyberger joined Ohio State’s coaching staff in 2021. Before that, he served as a defensive assistant at Bucknell for two seasons and also had experience as a graduate assistant at Ohio Dominican and as a high school football and wrestling coach.
This dismissal comes amidst other significant changes to the Ohio State football coaching staff during the offseason. Notably, both the offensive and defensive coordinator positions have seen turnover, with Brian Hartline and Matt Patricia taking on those roles, respectively. Several other assistant coaches have also been hired or promoted.
