One of college football’s prominent assistant coaches is set to embark on his first head-coaching venture. Brian Hartline, who has made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Ohio State, is poised to take over as head coach at South Florida, as reported on December 3, 2025.
Hartline will succeed Alex Golesh, who recently accepted the head coaching position at Auburn just three days prior. According to sources, Hartline has signed a six-year contract with South Florida while remaining with Ohio State through the upcoming College Football Playoff.
Since joining Ohio State in 2017, Hartline has played a crucial role in shaping the Buckeyes into an offensive juggernaut, particularly in developing wide receivers who have transitioned into NFL stars. Notable players he has coached include Jeremiah Smith, Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, and Garrett Wilson. In an impressive feat, five of Hartline’s former players have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft over the past four years.
At 37, Hartline is already in his third season as the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. He co-led the offense with Chip Kelly last year when Ohio State claimed the national championship title. This season, under Hartline’s guidance as the sole offensive coordinator, the top-ranked Buckeyes are averaging an impressive 37 points per game, placing them 13th among the 136 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs heading into the Big Ten championship game against No. 2 Indiana.
South Florida has enjoyed a successful 9-3 season and boasts a 23-15 record over Golesh’s three-year tenure. The South Florida football program, noted for its advantageous location in a talent-laden state and the prospective opening of a new stadium in the coming years, is widely regarded as one of the most attractive coaching opportunities outside of the Power Five conferences. As Hartline takes the helm, there’s optimism surrounding the potential growth and success of the South Florida program.