Just days after a statement win over Michigan, Ohio State got another boost - and this one came off the field. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, long regarded as one of the sharpest eyes in the country when it comes to evaluating wide receiver talent, is staying put in Columbus. That’s a win in itself.
Earlier this week, there were real questions about Hartline’s future. He reportedly interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at Kentucky, a job that would have marked a significant shift in his career trajectory.
But instead of heading south, it looks like Kentucky is turning to Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, a Kentucky native and one of the more innovative play-callers in the game right now. The two sides are expected to finalize a deal soon.
That’s music to the ears of Buckeyes fans - and probably to Ryan Day as well. Hartline is not just a coordinator; he’s a foundational piece of what Ohio State has built offensively. His ability to identify, recruit, and develop elite talent, especially at wide receiver, has helped turn the Buckeyes into a perennial offensive powerhouse.
Over the weekend, Day finally exorcised some demons with a decisive win over Michigan, snapping a four-game losing streak in the rivalry. While Ohio State never saw a dip in recruiting during that stretch, keeping Hartline in Columbus ensures that pipeline of elite offensive talent stays strong. He’s in his first season as the full-time offensive coordinator, taking over after Chip Kelly departed for the NFL.
Kelly, of course, left after winning a national title with the Buckeyes, only to land with the Las Vegas Raiders as their offensive coordinator. That stint didn’t go as planned - Kelly didn’t even make it through his first season before being let go. Before the Michigan game, Day declined to comment on the idea of bringing Kelly back into the fold, but if Hartline had left, it’s easy to imagine Kelly’s name would’ve resurfaced in the conversation.
Now, with Hartline staying, the focus shifts back to defending the Buckeyes’ crown. And there's plenty to be excited about on that front.
Freshman phenoms Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate - both products of Hartline’s recruiting efforts - made their presence felt in the win over Michigan. They’re expected to play key roles again in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday.
Hartline, a Buckeye through and through, continues to rise in the coaching ranks. His success as both a recruiter and a play-caller has made him a hot name for head coaching jobs, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. But for now, he’s staying in Columbus - and that’s a big deal.
With high-profile jobs like Penn State still open, Hartline’s name will keep coming up. But leaving Ohio State for a program like Kentucky - one that doesn’t offer the same national spotlight or recruiting power - would’ve felt like a step down. Instead, he remains at a place where he’s built his identity, and where he’s helped shape one of the most explosive offenses in college football.
Under his watch, Ohio State has become “Wide Receiver U,” and that brand only gets stronger with each five-star recruit and big-game performance. Keeping Hartline in the fold doesn’t just stabilize the offense - it reinforces everything the Buckeyes are trying to build.