Ohio State’s Brian Hartline to Become USF Head Coach: Sources Confirm

South Florida is actively pursuing Ohio State’s Brian Hartline as its next head coach, according to multiple sources. The move follows the recent hiring of former USF coach Alex Golesh by Auburn.

Brian Hartline’s Coaching Journey

Brian Hartline, 39, has been a significant figure at Ohio State since 2017. He played as a wide receiver for the Buckeyes before being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2009.

• Position at Ohio State: Wide Receivers Coach since 2018
• Offensive Coordinator Title: Added in 2023
• Play-Calling Duties: Began this season

Hartline has played a crucial role in shaping the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense under head coach Ryan Day. His stellar recruitment and development of top-tier receivers have garnered national attention.

Recruitment Success

Hartline has strong ties to South Florida, which has facilitated his recruitment efforts. Notable recruits include:

• Jeremiah Smith – No. 1 player in the 2024 class
• Brandon Inniss – Five-star prospect
• Carnell Tate – Chicago native who attended IMG Academy

In terms of success stories, Hartline has helped develop NFL talents such as:

• Terry McLaurin
• Emeka Egbuka
• Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Garrett Wilson
• Chris Olave

Ohio State has successfully had a receiver selected in the first round for the last four seasons, a trend that could continue with Tate’s potential declaration after this season.

Future Developments at USF

South Florida, recognized as a premier program within the Group of 5, is striving to fulfill its potential. Despite being situated in the talent-rich market of Tampa, the Bulls have faced challenges.

• Conference Championships: Never played for one
• Top 25 Rankings: Only twice in history
• Recent Performance: 4 wins from 2020 to 2022 under Jeff Scott
• Golesh’s Tenure: Turned around the program with a 9-3 record this season

Next week, USF’s board of trustees is slated to authorize an internal loan of up to $22.5 million aimed at supporting athletes with revenue-sharing payments. Additionally, the construction of a new, 35,000-seat stadium is underway, set to open in 2027. The recently opened indoor practice facility was also a landmark achievement in Golesh’s early tenure.

As USF aims to elevate its program further, the potential addition of Brian Hartline as head coach could mark a new chapter in its pursuit of success.