South Florida is zeroing in on one of college football’s most respected offensive minds to lead its program into a new era. According to sources familiar with the situation, USF is targeting Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as its next head coach.
Hartline would step in for Alex Golesh, who just accepted the Auburn head coaching job after a strong three-year run in Tampa. For now, Hartline is expected to remain with Ohio State through the College Football Playoff, giving the Buckeyes continuity as they chase a national title.
At 39, Hartline brings a blend of youth, energy, and high-level experience. A former Ohio State wide receiver himself, he’s been part of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff since 2017 and has steadily climbed the ladder.
He became the wide receivers coach in 2018 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. This season marked his first with play-calling duties, and it’s no coincidence the Buckeyes’ offense remained one of the most explosive in the nation.
While head coach Ryan Day is the architect of Ohio State’s offensive system, Hartline has been instrumental in making it hum-especially when it comes to developing elite wide receiver talent. His track record speaks for itself.
He’s helped mold a long list of future NFL stars, including Terry McLaurin, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka. Under Hartline’s guidance, Ohio State has produced a first-round wide receiver in four straight NFL Drafts, and that streak could easily continue with Carnell Tate if he declares.
Hartline’s recruiting chops are as impressive as his development skills. His connections in South Florida have been a major asset for Ohio State.
He was a driving force behind landing Jeremiah Smith-the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class-as well as five-star Brandon Inniss. Even Carnell Tate, a Chicago native who played at IMG Academy, was brought in under Hartline’s watch.
And his reach goes well beyond Florida. California five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr., a top target in the 2026 class, remains in the Buckeyes’ sights-though he has yet to sign as of Wednesday morning.
For USF, this potential hire signals a bold move. The Bulls have long been considered a sleeping giant in the Group of Five-a program sitting in a talent-rich market like Tampa but still searching for consistent success.
They’ve never played in a conference championship game and have only cracked the Top 25 twice in program history. From 2020 to 2022, the Bulls managed just four total wins under Jeff Scott before Golesh came in and flipped the script.
Golesh’s impact was immediate. He led USF to a 23-15 record over three seasons, including a 9-3 mark this fall that put the Bulls in the American Athletic Conference championship conversation. That turnaround earned him the Auburn job-and left USF with big shoes to fill.
But the Bulls aren’t just thinking short-term. Off the field, the university is making significant investments in football infrastructure.
Next week, the board of trustees is expected to approve an internal loan of up to $22.5 million to fund future revenue-sharing payments to players-a clear sign that USF is preparing for the evolving landscape of college athletics. Meanwhile, construction is underway on a new 35,000-seat on-campus stadium, set to open in 2027.
And the program recently opened its long-awaited indoor practice facility, a major step forward in terms of year-round development.
Hiring Hartline would be a statement. It would mean USF isn’t just trying to maintain momentum-it’s aiming to level up. With his recruiting pedigree, NFL pipeline, and offensive acumen, Hartline could be the kind of hire that helps the Bulls finally tap into the potential that’s been simmering in Tampa for years.