Ohio State football staffer under investigation, placed on administrative

In December 2024, Ohio State University placed defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger on paid administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation by the university’s Office of Institutional Equity. The specific nature of the investigation has not been publicly disclosed. The Office of Institutional Equity is responsible for handling complaints related to harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct, among other issues.

Lyberger received official notification of his administrative leave on December 27, 2024, as indicated in a letter from Ohio State’s human resources department. This development was first reported by The Columbus Dispatch and later confirmed by The Associated Press through a public records request.

Attorney Sam Shamansky, representing Lyberger, has expressed significant concerns regarding the university’s investigative process. He contends that the system is designed in a way that limits the ability of legal counsel to effectively assist the accused during hearings. Shamansky described the situation as a “travesty of justice,” emphasizing the challenges faced by his client under the current procedures. He also highlighted the lack of transparency from the university, noting that no information has been provided about the expected duration of the investigation.

Joe Lyberger has been affiliated with Ohio State’s football program for the past four seasons. Prior to his tenure with the Buckeyes, he served as a defensive assistant at Bucknell University for two seasons and was a graduate assistant at Ohio Dominican University. Lyberger is an alumnus of Slippery Rock University, where he played football and graduated in 2016.

This incident is not the first time Ohio State’s football program has faced internal investigations leading to administrative leaves. In August 2018, head coach Urban Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave following allegations that he was aware of domestic violence accusations against an assistant coach, Zach Smith, prior to Smith’s termination. The university conducted a comprehensive investigation into the matter, which garnered significant media attention and raised questions about the program’s internal culture and oversight.

The current investigation involving Lyberger underscores the ongoing challenges institutions face in maintaining transparency and accountability within their athletic programs. The lack of specific information regarding the nature of the allegations and the anticipated timeline for the investigation has led to speculation and concern among stakeholders.

As the investigation proceeds, it is imperative for the university to balance the confidentiality of the process with the public’s interest in understanding the circumstances surrounding such actions. The outcome of this investigation may have significant implications for Lyberger’s professional future and could influence the broader perception of Ohio State’s commitment to addressing internal issues within its athletic department.

In the interim, the football program continues its preparations for the upcoming season under the guidance of the remaining coaching staff. The university has not provided further comments beyond confirming Lyberger’s administrative leave, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The situation remains fluid, and updates are anticipated as more information becomes available. Observers and stakeholders alike are closely monitoring the developments, awaiting clarity on the allegations and the university’s response to the findings of theinvestigation.