Brian Hartline Expected to Depart Ohio State for South Florida Head Coaching Job
Just days before Ohio State gears up for the Big Ten Championship Game, the Buckeyes are staring down a potential shake-up on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is reportedly on the verge of accepting the head coaching job at South Florida - a move that, while not yet official, would mark a significant transition for both programs.
Let’s be clear: this would be a major loss for Ohio State. Hartline has been instrumental in shaping one of the most dynamic offenses in college football this season. His play-calling evolution, paired with a deep understanding of his personnel - especially quarterback Julian Sayin - has helped elevate the Buckeyes’ attack to elite status.
The timing of this potential move is what really stings for Ohio State. Coming off a dominant win over Michigan, the Buckeyes are riding high into the conference title game. But Indiana’s defense presents a real test, and losing your offensive coordinator - even just as a distraction - is never ideal heading into a game of this magnitude.
Hartline’s name has been circulating in coaching circles for a while now. He’s been linked to high-profile programs like Penn State and Kentucky, so it’s not surprising to see him on the move.
What is surprising, though, is the destination. South Florida wasn’t widely reported as a frontrunner in Hartline’s next chapter, and aside from his playing days with the Miami Dolphins, he doesn’t have deep ties to the region or program.
Still, this is the natural next step for Hartline. He’s long been viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks, especially after his success as a recruiter and position coach before taking over play-calling duties. His ability to develop wide receivers has been well-documented, and this season, he’s shown he can handle the full scope of offensive coordination at the highest level.
If Hartline does finalize the move before the Big Ten Championship or the College Football Playoff, Ohio State does have a built-in contingency. Head coach Ryan Day is no stranger to calling plays, and he’s more than capable of stepping back into that role if needed. But no matter how you slice it, losing Hartline at this stage would be a disruption - not just for game-planning, but potentially for recruiting as well.
Speaking of recruiting, the ripple effects on the 2026 class - particularly with Early Signing Day on the horizon - remain to be seen. Hartline has been a key figure in building out Ohio State’s future offensive talent pipeline, and any uncertainty around his status could give recruits pause.
For now, it’s a waiting game. Nothing is signed, sealed, or delivered just yet. But if Hartline does head south, Ohio State will need to adjust quickly - both on the field and in the living room - as they chase a conference title and a shot at the national championship.