Brian Hartline did not step into his new role quietly. Days after being named the head coach at USF, his phone lit up with a FaceTime call from a family he has believed in longer than almost anyone: the Henrys.
Chris Henry Jr. Reacfirmed his commitment to Ohio State, and Hartline is still coaching on the Buckeyes staff for Saturday’s Big Ten Championship. He will be formally introduced to USF fans next week. None of that mattered to the Henry family.
They called simply because they care about him.
When Hartline answered, in a clip later shared on the Henry Legacy account, he was met with a room full of smiles. Henry’s mother, siblings, and inner circle crowded around the screen, celebrating the moment as if they were standing beside him in Tampa.
Hartline’s voice carried the same warmth they have always known.
“Congratulations to you. You made the right choice.”
"You made the right choice"
— Henry Legacy (@TheHenryLegacy_) December 5, 2025
Brian Hartline to Chris Henry Jr after he chose to sign with Ohio State ❤️ pic.twitter.com/j9KP5cGv6v
He was not talking about his own job. He was talking about Henry choosing the school he felt was right for him. The family responded instantly, their voices overlapping with emotion.
“Love you, Coach. We’re cheering for you.”
MORE: Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia wins one of college football’s top QB award
Their message was unmistakable. Their support for Hartline did not shift with a commitment or a change in title. It was rooted in something deeper, a bond built through trust, guidance, and years of connection that never depended on which sideline he coached from.
In a week filled with headlines and transition, this simple call stood out for a different reason.
It was not about football. It was about family and the loyalty that never changed.
Love came first.
More college football news:
- Will Stein has a bold vision for Kentucky
- Tavita Pritchard comes home to Stanford with a message of ‘belief and brotherhood’