What the New OC of the Ohio State Buckeyes Will Bring Hartline, Brian

What the New OC of the Ohio State Buckeyes Will Bring: Hartline, Brian

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program is one of the premier programs in college football, consistently competing for national championships and producing elite talent across the board. As a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference, Ohio State has long been a fixture in the national conversation, and much of that success has been built on a dynamic, high-powered offense. From Urban Meyer’s early tenure to Ryan Day’s current reign, the Buckeyes’ offense has been a key to their success.

Recently, however, there has been a significant change in Ohio State’s coaching staff that could shape the future of the offense: Brian Hartline has been elevated to the position of offensive coordinator (OC). As a former Ohio State wide receiver and a rising star in the coaching ranks, Hartline’s transition to offensive coordinator brings a mix of excitement, familiarity, and potential for the Buckeyes’ offensive unit. The question, however, is not just what Hartline will bring to the table, but how he will evolve Ohio State’s offense and help the team reach new heights.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into Brian Hartline’s coaching journey, his attributes as a coach, the expectations that come with being named the new OC, and what his appointment means for the Ohio State offense going forward.

Brian Hartline: A Legacy as a Player

Before examining Hartline’s future as an offensive coordinator, it’s important to understand his background as a player. Brian Hartline was one of Ohio State’s most prolific wide receivers, playing for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008. During his time in Columbus, Hartline was known for his speed, precise route running, and ability to make clutch plays. His career at Ohio State was a major success, where he totaled over 1,500 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. Hartline was a critical component of a high-flying Ohio State offense that dominated the Big Ten during his time.

Hartline’s success at Ohio State translated to a solid NFL career, where he played for the Miami Dolphins and later the Cleveland Browns. His time in the NFL helped him further hone his understanding of the game, providing him with valuable insight into how offenses operate at the highest level.

As a player, Hartline was respected for his football IQ, his ability to read defenses, and his strong work ethic. His transition from player to coach was, therefore, not surprising. Hartline’s familiarity with Ohio State’s culture, offensive system, and the program’s long-standing traditions made him a natural fit for a coaching role within the team.

Hartline’s Rapid Rise as a Coach

After wrapping up his playing career, Brian Hartline quickly made the jump to coaching. His coaching journey began in 2017 when he was hired by Urban Meyer as a wide receivers coach for Ohio State. From the very beginning, Hartline made an immediate impact, working with some of the best wide receivers in the country, including Terry McLaurin, Paris Campbell, and K.J. Hill. Under his guidance, Ohio State’s wide receivers became one of the most dynamic and productive units in college football.

Hartline’s success in coaching wide receivers led to significant recognition, and in 2018, he was promoted to wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, a role that allowed him to continue molding the program’s next generation of offensive playmakers. His reputation as a top-tier coach only grew as his players thrived in Ohio State’s high-octane offense. Hartline helped recruit some of the top wide receiver talent in the country, and he continued to develop players who went on to play at the NFL level, including McLaurin (Washington Commanders) and Campbell (Indianapolis Colts).

Throughout his tenure as wide receivers coach, Hartline became known for his innovative coaching methods, his focus on fundamentals, and his ability to develop players both mentally and physically. His personal experience as an NFL player gave him a unique perspective that he used to mentor his wide receivers and teach them the nuances of playing at the next level. With Hartline’s guidance, Ohio State’s wide receivers continued to be among the best in the nation, and the Buckeyes’ passing attack remained one of the most feared in the country.

The Big Move: Hartline as Offensive Coordinator

In 2023, the Ohio State football program made the decision to promote Brian Hartline to the position of offensive coordinator, succeeding Kevin Wilson, who left to become the head coach at Tulsa. This move marks a pivotal moment for both Hartline and Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ offense has been highly successful in recent years, and with C.J. Stroud under center, the program reached new heights, including a College Football Playoff appearance. However, as the team moves forward with a new quarterback and new offensive personnel, Hartline’s promotion provides the opportunity for a fresh perspective and potentially even greater offensive success.

One of the first questions fans and analysts alike will have is how Hartline will approach the offensive playcalling duties. While he has a deep understanding of the wide receiver position, he will now be responsible for coordinating the entire offensive unit, including the running game, offensive line play, and quarterback development. As a wide receivers coach, Hartline was involved in offensive game-planning, but as the OC, he will have broader responsibilities, including managing the tempo of the offense, play-calling during critical situations, and working in conjunction with Ryan Day to shape the overall offensive philosophy.

Hartline’s Offensive Philosophy: A Blend of Innovation and Tradition

Given his background and experience at Ohio State, it’s likely that Hartline’s offensive philosophy will be a blend of Ryan Day’s established principles and his own innovative ideas. As Ohio State’s head coach, Day has built an offense that thrives on tempo, balance, and explosiveness. The Buckeyes’ offense often relies on a dynamic passing game, taking advantage of their deep talent at the wide receiver position, while also remaining effective in the running game to keep defenses off balance.

Hartline will likely continue to prioritize these same principles while adding his own flavor. As someone who has worked extensively with wide receivers, Hartline’s first focus will probably be on making the passing game even more dynamic. His history of developing wide receivers like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba speaks to his ability to elevate talent and get the most out of his players. Under Hartline, expect to see Ohio State’s wide receivers continue to thrive and possibly even become more integrated into the offensive game plan.

Additionally, Hartline may bring a greater emphasis on route running, timing, and spacing, given his own experience as a precise route runner during his playing days. His deep understanding of the wide receiver position could allow him to coach his players in a way that maximizes the offense’s potential.

While Hartline will certainly put his stamp on the offense, he will also work in tandem with Ryan Day, who has a reputation for being one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football. Day’s influence will likely be a key part of the offensive scheme, with Hartline drawing from Day’s playbook while still making it his own.

Quarterback Development: A New Era for Ohio State

One of Hartline’s biggest challenges as the new offensive coordinator will be developing Ohio State’s new quarterback. After C.J. Stroud declared for the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes find themselves entering a new chapter at the quarterback position. Whether it’s Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, or another rising star, the quarterback position will be crucial to Ohio State’s success.

Hartline’s experience as a former player and his ability to develop skill players will be invaluable as he helps shape the development of the new quarterback. Though Hartline has worked primarily with wide receivers, his understanding of how the passing game works as a whole will help him in his new role as OC. His ability to communicate effectively with quarterbacks and receivers will be critical as Ohio State transitions to a new signal-caller.

Additionally, Hartline’s deep knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the next level could be beneficial for his quarterback’s development. Having played in the NFL, he can provide valuable insights into what the future holds for his players beyond college and help them prepare for the next step in their careers.

Recruiting Impact: Hartline’s Influence on the Buckeyes’ Future

As the new offensive coordinator, Hartline’s role in Ohio State’s recruiting efforts will also be an area to watch. Given his history as one of the nation’s top recruiters, Hartline is poised to continue attracting elite talent to Ohio State, especially at the wide receiver position. His ability to connect with recruits and demonstrate how his offense can help them succeed will be a key selling point.

Hartline’s success in recruiting at the wide receiver position has been undeniable, and now, as OC, he will have an even larger impact on the entire offensive unit. Expect Hartline to continue to target top-tier prospects in all areas of the offense, ensuring that Ohio State remains a top destination for high school players looking to compete at the highest level.