Ohio State Buckeyes Part Ways with Coach After Investigation
The Ohio State Buckeyes have concluded an internal investigation that has resulted in the termination of one of their football coaching staff members.
According to reports, Ohio State has dismissed defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger following an investigation that began in December 2024. The firing was confirmed by a termination letter, dated April 23, which was obtained through a public records request, as reported by Joey Kaufman of The Columbus Dispatch.
Lyberger, who had been part of Ryan Day’s coaching staff for the past four seasons, primarily working with the Buckeyes’ linebackers, was placed on administrative leave in December while the investigation was ongoing. The inquiry was conducted by Ohio State’s Office of Institutional Equity, now known as the Civil Rights Compliance Office. Lyberger was found to have violated the office’s policies on non-discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
While Ohio State has not officially commented on the situation, Lyberger’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, stated that the allegations involved Lyberger stalking a female staff member, along with a claim that he spit into a bottle. Shamansky has denied these allegations, calling the investigation process “a pathetic sham.”
“It was the most pathetic sham I’ve ever seen,” Shamansky said in a statement. “The hearing examiner should have been the prosecutor. It was an absolute embarrassment from a legal perspective in my opinion.”
Since being placed on leave on December 27, 2024, Lyberger has not been involved with the team during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff appearances, including the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and National Championship game. He also missed all 15 of the team’s spring practices. Lyberger is now ineligible for rehire by the university.
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