As first reported by the Ole Miss Spirit, and later confirmed, Ole Miss has placed head softball coach Mike Smith on administrative leave.

Smith, who has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2015, will be away from the Rebels program under what the University is describing as a “non-financial, external audit” of the softball program.

It’s not the first of this type of issue for Smith in his Rebels softball tenure. Last year, Smith was suspended for the opening series of the season, for failing to meet the “University’s expectations for operating the program.” He would return to the team after a three-game stretch and lead the team to its second Super Regional appearance in three seasons.

During Smith’s absence, assistant softball coach Ruben Felix will serve as head softball coach.

Prior to Smith’s arrival in Oxford, the Rebels had never qualified for an NCAA Tournament. Since the start of his tenure, they have qualified for four-straight NCAA Tournaments, including twice hosting regionals and twice advancing to the Super Regional round.