Sources confirm South Florida's hiring of Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as head coach.

South Florida is preparing to bring in another high-profile offensive coordinator from a power conference to lead its football program. Sources have revealed that Brian Hartline, currently Ohio States offensive coordinator, will become the Bulls head coach under a six-year contract. He will replace Alex Golesh, who recently accepted the head coaching position at Auburn. Hartline is expected to remain with Ohio State through the College Football Playoff before transitioning to USF.

At 39, Hartline is a former wide receiver for Ohio State and has served in multiple coaching roles with the Buckeyes. Following his NFL career, he joined Ohio State in 2017 as a quality control coach and steadily advanced through the offensive staff ranks. He became the wide receivers coach in 2018 and held that position for five seasons before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. During Chip Kellys tenure in 2024, Hartline served as co-offensive coordinator as Ohio State captured the College Football Playoff title. After Kellys departure to the NFL, Hartline resumed full offensive coordinator duties in 2025.

This season, Hartline took over as the primary play-caller for Ohio State, a shift from previous years when head coach Ryan Day had called most plays. The Buckeyes are averaging 37 points per game through 12 contests, and quarterback Julian Sayin is on pace to break the single-season FBS record for completion percentage.

Although Hartlines coaching career has been entirely in Ohio, he has ties to Florida from his professional playing days. Selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, he spent six seasons with Miami and concluded his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. Over seven NFL seasons, Hartline accumulated 344 receptions for 4,766 yards and 14 touchdowns, including back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2012 and 2013 with the Dolphins.

Golesh led the Bulls for three seasons after serving as Tennessees offensive coordinator, compiling a 7-6 record in his first two years and finishing 9-3 in 2025. Under Golesh, USFs offense averaged 43 points per game and over seven yards per play this season.

Analysis: Brian Hartline's Transition to USF

South Florida is making a significant move in reshaping its football program by hiring Brian Hartline, Ohio State's offensive coordinator, as its new head coach. This decision signals the Bulls' ambition to compete at a higher level, especially considering Hartline’s success with one of the most potent offenses in college football. Under his leadership, Ohio State has averaged 37 points per game this season, with quarterback Julian Sayin on track to set an FBS record for completion percentage. Hartline's experience as a former NFL wide receiver and his rise through Ohio State’s coaching ranks position him as a capable leader to steer USF's football program forward.

Hartline’s hire comes after Alex Golesh’s departure to Auburn. Golesh, who revitalized USF's offense, led the team to an impressive 9-3 record in 2025. His offense averaged 43 points per game, a remarkable achievement. However, Hartline’s extensive coaching background, including his time as Ohio State's offensive coordinator, promises a smooth transition for the Bulls as they look to build on Golesh's success. The expectation is that Hartline will bring a similar offensive-minded approach to USF, but with his own philosophy that has been honed under the tutelage of Chip Kelly and Ryan Day at Ohio State.

As Hartline prepares to move to USF after the College Football Playoff, his task will be to adapt his Ohio State blueprint to the unique challenges of the American Athletic Conference. USF’s program is in a favorable position, having just enjoyed a season of high-powered offensive production. If Hartline can replicate even a fraction of Ohio State's success, the Bulls could soon become one of the most formidable teams in the AAC.

Sources:

• Sources: South Florida to hire Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as head coach