Former Ohio State football coach sues university for gender discrimination

February 6, 2026 3oliver

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A former member of the Ohio State University football program is now suing the university, claiming he was discriminated against because he is a man.

Former defensive quality control coach Joseph Lyberger was fired last April after an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment was made against him.

In court filings, Lyberger’s attorney argues the university presumed he was guilty because of his gender and that there was a lack of evidence against him.

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A letter from the Ohio State Office of University Compliance and Integrity terminating Lyberger offers some details as to why he was fired. According to the letter, an investigation found Lyberger violated sexual harassment and stalking policies in his interactions with a coworker from August to December 2024.

In a statement, Lyberger’s attorneys said, in part, “Ohio State relied on sex-based stereotypes in evaluating credibility, presuming guilt based on Mr. Lyberger’s gender.” The statement further claims Lyberger was the victim of “reports of harassment, explicit threats to ‘ruin’ his career, and retaliatory conduct by his coworkers.”

Lyberger was a member of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff starting in 2021 after working as a defensive assistant for Bucknell and Ohio Dominican. Before moving to college coaching, he was an assistant football coach and assistant wrestling coach at Olentangy High School.

The university said it does not comment on pending litigation.

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