Brian Hartline was officially unveiled as the seventh head football coach of the University of South Florida (USF) on Monday, marking a significant transition for the program. He succeeds Alex Golesh, who recently took a position at Auburn University. The announcement was made during a ceremony where Rob Higgins, CEO of USF Athletics, welcomed Hartline to the community and the city of Tampa.
Hartline expressed that the decision to join USF was a straightforward one for him, as Florida has always felt like a second home for his family. “I always felt like Florida was my second home,” he stated. “When assessing opportunities, USF is always towards the top of the list.” He shared his philosophy on building a successful team, emphasizing the importance of people, process, and purpose.
Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan commended Hartline’s enthusiasm and determination, stating he believes the new coach will elevate USF’s football program. “I was blown away by his passion… It’s a new day here at USF,” Hagan remarked. With Hartline and Higgins steering the ship, Hagan foresees an exciting transformation for the USF football program and the surrounding Tampa Bay area over the next few years.
Hartline joins USF while still committed to his role at Ohio State as their offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, responsibilities he will maintain through the Big Ten Championship game and the College Football Playoff. Under his leadership, Ohio State’s offense has been among the elite in the nation, boasting impressive statistics during the 2025 season and contributing to a remarkable 37–4 record over his three seasons overseeing the offense. He has also played a key role in securing eight Big Ten Championships throughout his coaching tenure.
Hartline is recognized for his exceptional talent development, having coached multiple NFL first-round draft picks since 2022 and consistently producing top-tier talent, including four consecutive Big Ten Receiver of the Year winners. His accolades include being named 247Sports National Recruiter of the Year in 2020, highlighting his strong recruiting abilities.
As Brian Hartline prepares to lead the Bulls, USF is poised for a new era under a coach known for high-powered offenses and championship experience, which bodes well for the future of the program. This new chapter brings an optimistic outlook for USF football as the community rallies around their new coach and the promise of future success.