The speculation surrounding Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline leaving for a head coaching job has been mounting for some time, especially after reports surfaced earlier this month that he interviewed for the vacant head coaching position at West Virginia. Despite his interview with the Mountaineers, the position ultimately went to former West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is returning to lead the program once again. This did not, however, quell the growing rumors regarding Hartline’s potential future in coaching. Given his success at Ohio State, it’s clear that Hartline’s name will continue to be floated for high-profile coaching positions in the coming years.
Hartline, 37, has quickly established himself as one of the top assistant coaches in college football, but his aspirations may well go beyond that role. His name has been circulating as a potential future head coach even before the West Virginia interview. In September, college football writer Adam Rittenberg included Hartline in a list of “Non-primary play callers to watch,” highlighting him as a young coach poised for a major opportunity.
Hartline’s trajectory is noteworthy for a number of reasons. For one, he’s coaching at his alma mater, which is always a sentimental and prestigious position for any coach. Ohio State is one of the premier programs in college football, with a rich history of success and a high-profile reputation. It is also Hartline’s home state, which may contribute to his strong connection to the program and his players. Leaving for another job would require a special kind of opportunity—one that aligns with his long-term ambitions and allows him to continue growing professionally. With his track record of success, it’s evident that Hartline’s next step, if he chooses to leave Ohio State, would have to be a highly desirable one.
One of the biggest factors that makes Hartline a sought-after coach is his reputation as a top-tier recruiter. Since his arrival at Ohio State, Hartline has been integral in bringing in some of the best wide receiver talent in the country. His ability to identify and develop wide receivers has made Ohio State’s receiving corps one of the most talented and respected units in college football. His work with players like freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, who is already being hailed as a future star, showcases his ability to spot and nurture raw talent. The wide receiver position has been a strength of the program, and Hartline’s influence cannot be overstated.
Moreover, Hartline’s ability to recruit isn’t limited to just finding talent; it extends to maintaining Ohio State’s impressive pipeline of wide receivers to the NFL. Over the years, Ohio State has produced a number of high-level wide receivers who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, and Hartline has played a major role in this success. He has helped mold players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom have become prominent figures in the league. As college football continues to evolve and players’ dreams of playing at the next level become more prevalent, Hartline’s ability to prepare his players for the NFL has been a key selling point for Ohio State in its recruiting efforts.
While Hartline’s success at Ohio State speaks for itself, the question of whether he will leave for a head coaching job remains unanswered. Many see the NFL as a potential landing spot for him, especially given his background as a player and his strong rapport with wide receivers. However, there is also the potential for him to take on a head coaching role at a top-tier college program. A position with a prominent Power 4 school, such as those in the SEC, Big Ten, or Pac-12, would offer Hartline the chance to make an immediate impact and further cement his reputation as one of the brightest minds in the coaching world.
The move to a head coaching position is a natural progression for many assistant coaches, especially those who have demonstrated their ability to recruit, develop talent, and build a culture of success within their programs. For Hartline, the West Virginia interview could have simply been an early step in the process of finding the right fit. However, it’s clear that his time at Ohio State, where he has learned under the tutelage of Urban Meyer and Ryan Day, has set him up for greater opportunities down the road.
Both Meyer and Day are highly respected coaches who have built successful programs at Ohio State, and Hartline’s time under them has undoubtedly shaped his approach to coaching. Meyer, in particular, was known for his ability to build strong teams and develop winning cultures, while Day has continued that legacy by maintaining Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Hartline has learned from two of the best, and it’s likely that these experiences have made him a more well-rounded coach, one who is ready for his next challenge. Whether that challenge comes in the form of a head coaching job at the collegiate level or a move to the NFL, Hartline’s future is undoubtedly bright.
As rumors continue to swirl, one thing remains certain: Hartline’s success at Ohio State has made him a sought-after commodity. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and build a winning culture makes him an attractive candidate for any program looking for a new leader. Whether he stays at Ohio State for the long haul or takes his talents elsewhere, it’s clear that Hartline’s impact on college football will be felt for years to come.
In the meantime, Hartline remains focused on his current responsibilities at Ohio State, where he continues to develop one of the most impressive wide receiver units in the country. The Buckeyes are poised for success in the College Football Playoff, and Hartline’s receivers will undoubtedly play a major role in their postseason run. While his future may be uncertain, there’s no doubt that Hartline’s impact on Ohio State and college football as a whole will be lasting, no matter where his career takes him.
For now, the Buckeyes and their fans can take comfort in knowing that Hartline is still one of the cornerstones of Ohio State’s coaching staff. But as we look ahead to the future, it’s clear that Hartline is a name to watch in the world of college football coaching.
