Saban denies offering ex-Ohio State assistant Zach Smith job

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nick Saban denies offering a job to ex-Ohio State assistant Zach Smith last year.

Saban said Saturday he interviewed Smith for a position in 2018 but opted to hire someone else after conducting a background check.

The Crimson Tide’s connection with Smith surfaced with the release of former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer’s texts and emails by Ohio State after an external investigation into what he knew about allegations of domestic violence made by Smith’s ex-wife, Courtney Smith.

Meyer fired Smith in July 2018 after the domestic violence allegations. Ohio State investigated Meyer and suspended him mishandling previous issues involving Smith. Meyer retired after the 2018 season.

Meyer wrote in January 2018 texts, including one to Ohio State’s president, that Alabama offered Smith a job as receivers coach and passing game coordinator.

Also, Saban says linebacker Eyabi Anoma, a former five-star recruit, has been dismissed from school. He declined to elaborate on the reason.