Ole Miss softball coach Mike Smith finds himself in hot water again this year after interim athletic director Keith Carter placed Smith on administrative leave for a non-financial external audit last Friday. 

"At this time we are conducting an external audit of our softball program, and Coach Smith has been placed on administrative leave until the conclusion of the audit," said Carter. "At this time it is a personnel matter and that's really all that we can share. We hope to complete this audit...our investigation...in a timely manner. Until we do, Coach Ruben Felix will lead the program until we get finished."

In five seasons, Smith guided the Rebels to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances finishing the 2019 season at the Tucson Super Regional last season.

The Ole Miss Spirit reported that their sources have told them that the audit will investigate “cultural” concerns surrounding the softball program. Players and coaches are said to be interviewed as part of the investigation. 

Related: Ole Miss Head Coach Mike Smith Suspended For Season Opener