Ohio State AD Smith denies reports of Texas interview

Buckeyes boss says he is staying where he is

10/31/2013

COLUMBUS — Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said today he is going nowhere after he was reported as a top candidate to replacing retiring University of Texas AD DeLoss Dodds.

“I have the greatest respect for the University of Texas and one of my mentors, DeLoss Dodds," Smith said in a statement. "I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be the athletics director at The Ohio State University. Reports of me interviewing at the University of Texas are inaccurate.”

Citing a highly placed source at a Big 12 school, the Austin American-Statesman reported Texas intended to interview West Virginia AD Oliver Luck — the believed frontrunner — Arizona State AD Steve Patterson, and Smith. Dodds is retiring in August.

Smith, 57, has been at Ohio State since 2005.