Brian Hartline Expected to Depart Ohio State for Head Coaching Role at South Florida
Just days before Ohio State takes the field in the Big Ten Championship, the Buckeyes are facing a major shakeup on the offensive side of the ball. Brian Hartline, the team’s offensive coordinator and one of the most respected young minds in college football, is reportedly expected to accept the head coaching job at South Florida.
This development comes as a surprise-not because Hartline wasn’t a rising candidate for head coaching jobs, but because South Florida hadn’t been one of the programs publicly linked to him. He’d been mentioned in connection with openings at Penn State and Kentucky, but this move to Tampa wasn’t on anyone’s radar until now.
And the timing? It couldn’t be more high-stakes.
Ohio State is undefeated, coming off a dominant win over Michigan, and heading into a Big Ten title game with serious College Football Playoff implications. Losing your offensive coordinator-especially one who’s grown into the role the way Hartline has-right before that kind of stretch is no small thing.
A Rapid Rise in Columbus
Hartline’s ascent has been impressive. A former Buckeye wide receiver and NFL veteran, he returned to Columbus and quickly made a name for himself as one of the best recruiters and position coaches in the country. His work with Ohio State’s wide receivers has been elite, and this season marked his first full year as the program’s offensive coordinator.
While Ryan Day still has a firm grip on the offensive identity of this team, Hartline’s growth as a play-caller has been evident. He’s built strong chemistry with quarterback Julian Sayin, learning what buttons to press and which plays bring out the best in the young signal-caller. That kind of rapport doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s been a key part of Ohio State’s offensive success this season.
What This Means for the Buckeyes
If Hartline does in fact leave before the postseason, it’s a significant loss-but not one that Ohio State is unequipped to handle. Ryan Day has a deep background in calling plays and could step back into that role if needed. Still, it’s a disruption at a time when continuity and focus are paramount.
The Buckeyes are preparing to face an Indiana team with a defense that’s been tough all season. That matchup just got a little more interesting.
A change in offensive leadership, even temporarily, can shift the rhythm of preparation. And when you’re on the doorstep of a potential national title run, every detail matters.
Recruiting Implications
There’s also the recruiting angle to consider. Hartline has been instrumental in building Ohio State’s elite receiver pipeline and has played a major role in shaping the 2026 recruiting class.
With Early Signing Day approaching, the impact of his potential departure could ripple through that group. Right now, it’s too early to say how much of an effect it will have, but it’s certainly something to monitor.
A Natural Next Step
In the bigger picture, Hartline becoming a head coach was always a matter of when, not if. His trajectory has pointed in that direction for a while now. He’s earned the opportunity, and South Florida could be a strong fit for a young coach looking to build a program with his own identity.
For Ohio State, the focus now turns to maintaining momentum. The Buckeyes are still in the thick of the national title race, and while losing Hartline would be a blow, this is a program built to withstand change. The next few weeks will test that resilience-and we’re about to find out just how deep that foundation runs.