Buckeyes Quality Coach Under Investigation, Was Placed On Leave Before Rose Bowl
Joe Lyberger, a quality control coach for Ohio State, was placed on administrative leave last month before the Buckeyes' Rose Bowl matchup against the Oregon Ducks. OSU went on to win the national title, though the road to a championship may have been rockier than it appeared.
As reported by Cleveland.com, Ohio State placed Lyberger on paid administrative leave on December 27.
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Ohio State Buckeyes Directory (via OhioStateBuckeyes.com)
As reported by Cleveland.com, Lyberger had worked closely with the linebacking group, since joining the Buckeyes in 2021. The university has not provided details regarding the reasons for Lyberger's sudden leave during the team's playoff run. However, the school's Office of Institutional Equity launched an investigation into Lyberger at the time of his departure. This office is responsible for handling complaints of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct, according to the outlet.
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PASADENA, Calif. - Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes holds up the The Leishman Trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks 41-21 in the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2025. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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PASADENA, Calif. - Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts after a first down during the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2025. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA - The Ohio State Buckeyes hoist the trophy after beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
While the school has yet to make a public statement, Lyberger's legal representation has put out a statement denying any allegations of wrongdoing by the coach.
OSU's website states:
"Lyberger coached at the high school level, serving as an assistant football coach and assistant wrestling coach at Olentangy High School. He also spent time in private business following his graduation from Slippery Rock University, where he played on the football team."
Attorney Sam Shamansky released a statement on behalf of Lyberger.
"My client and I take any allegation of wrongdoing very seriously," said Shamansky. "We respect the process whereby those who are accused have the opportunity to defend themselves, and we look forward to the opportunity."
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