Brian Hartline Named Head Coach for South Florida: Sources Confirm
Brian Hartline has been named the head coach of South Florida, according to confirmed sources. This appointment comes as Hartline transitions from his role as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Ohio State. His hiring follows the departure of Alex Golesh, who moved on after a successful tenure where he led South Florida to a 23-15 record over three seasons.
South Florida: A Promising Opportunity
South Florida is considered one of the premier positions in the Group of 5 conferences. The university’s location in Tampa, Florida, coupled with substantial investments in roster development, enhances its appeal. South Florida is currently constructing a new on-campus stadium, signaling its commitment to the athletic program.
Brian Hartline’s Coaching Background
Brian Hartline has a storied connection with Ohio State. He played as a wide receiver from 2005 to 2008 before being selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Over seven seasons in the league, he gained valuable experience that would serve him well in coaching.
Hartline returned to Ohio State in 2017 as a quality control assistant. He was promoted to wide receivers coach for the 2018 season amid a coaching scandal. Under his leadership, Ohio State’s wide receivers emerged as the strongest unit in college football.
Notable Achievements as a Coach
During his eight-year tenure, Hartline successfully recruited and developed numerous NFL talent, including:
- Parris Campbell
- Terry McLaurin
- KJ Hill
- Garrett Wilson
- Chris Olave
- Jameson Williams
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Marvin Harrison, Jr.
- Emeka Egbuka
- Jeremiah Smith
- Carnell Tate
- Brandon Innis
Noteworthy accomplishments include Marvin Harrison winning the Biletnikoff Award and breaking school records set by Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Hartline’s initiatives led to Ohio State boasting an impressive record of 147-19, which includes:
- Nine Big Ten championships
- One national championship
- 12 AP top-10 finishes
With his track record, Hartline has the potential to replicate or even exceed this success at South Florida. If he can carry over 40 percent of his accomplishments, the university can anticipate a bright future under his leadership.
