Ohio State’s Brian Hartline Set to Become USF Head Coach: Sources
South Florida is reportedly targeting Brian Hartline, the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, to become its next head coach. This decision comes after the departure of Alex Golesh, who has recently been appointed head coach at Auburn.
Brian Hartline’s Coaching Background
Brian Hartline, aged 39, has a rich history with Ohio State. He began his coaching career with the Buckeyes in 2017. Hartline transitioned to wide receivers coach in 2018 and assumed the role of offensive coordinator in 2023, although he only started calling plays this season.
As a former Ohio State receiver, Hartline has contributed significantly to the development of the team’s offensive strategy under head coach Ryan Day. His expertise in recruiting and nurturing top tier receivers is well recognized nationwide.
Recruiting Success
- Hartline has established strong connections in South Florida, aiding in recruiting elite talents such as:
- Jeremiah Smith – No. 1 player in the 2024 class
- Brandon Inniss – Five-star recruit
- Carnell Tate – High school standout at IMG Academy
- His influence extends beyond Florida, having mentored NFL talents like:
- Terry McLaurin
- Emeka Egbuka
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Garrett Wilson
- Chris Olave
Ohio State has seen a remarkable trend in receivers being drafted in the first round for the last four seasons. Hartline’s departure poses potential challenges, especially with the upcoming recruiting class for 2026, which includes top prospect Chris Henry Jr.
USF’s Aspirations
The University of South Florida is an established member of the Group of 5 programs, though it seeks to maximize its potential in a competitive market like Tampa. Notably, USF has never participated in a conference championship and only reached the national Top 25 rankings on two occasions.
From 2020 to 2022, the football program struggled with a mere four victories under former coach Jeff Scott. However, Golesh revitalized the team, achieving a 23-15 record in three seasons and bringing the Bulls into contention for the American Conference championship with a 9-3 record this fall.
Future Developments
- In an upcoming board meeting, USF’s trustees will consider a loan of up to $22.5 million for athletics.
- The financial support aims to facilitate revenue-sharing payments to players.
- The construction of a new 35,000-seat football stadium is underway, with an expected opening in 2027.
- USF also inaugurated its new indoor practice facility during Golesh’s initial weeks as head coach.
The potential hiring of Brian Hartline marks an exciting development for South Florida as it looks to build on its recent successes and tap into the wealth of talent available in its region.
