South Florida is making one of the biggest moves of the offseason, hiring Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as its next head football coach, according to a report Tuesday from On3’s Brett McMurphy, Pete Nakos and Chris Low.
Hartline has spent his entire coaching career in Columbus, rising from a quality control coach in 2017 to one of the nation’s most respected assistants. He served as the Buckeyes’ receivers coach from 2019-21, added passing game coordinator duties in 2022 and held offensive coordinator or co-coordinator roles over the past three seasons. Hartline is widely viewed as an elite recruiter and developer of talent, he'll push the Bulls into Playoff contention in the coming years.
This comes as USF lost Alex Golesh to Auburn, opening one of the most intriguing Group of Five positions. Hartline’s resume includes mentoring a string of All-Americans and future first-round receivers while helping power Ohio State’s high-octane offense.
“Brian has been successful in every football capacity for which he has been engaged,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in Hartline’s bio.
A former Buckeyes standout and eight-year NFL veteran, Hartline now takes on his first head coaching role. USF’s determination to accelerate its climb onto the national stage will be interesting to watch.
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