Brian Hartline is the offensive coordinator for Ohio State football. over the years

Brian Hartline is a prominent figure in college football, particularly known for his role as the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State University Buckeyes. His journey from a successful player to one of the top football coaches in the country is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and deep understanding of the game. This article delves into his career trajectory, coaching philosophy, and the impact he’s had on Ohio State football over the years.

Early Life and Playing Career

Brian Hartline was born on November 22, 1986, in North Canton, Ohio. Growing up in the Buckeye State, it was almost natural for Hartline to develop a love for football. His athletic talents became evident early on, as he played football at Canton McKinley High School, one of the most storied programs in Ohio high school football history. Hartline’s success in high school earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in the state, which eventually led to a scholarship offer from Ohio State.

Hartline joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2005 as a wide receiver, and his career at OSU was a standout one. Over the course of his collegiate career, he became one of the most reliable wide receivers in the program’s history. Hartline’s combination of speed, route-running ability, and hands made him a major target in the Buckeye offense.

He played under head coach Jim Tressel, and his playing career spanned from 2005 to 2008. In his senior year, Hartline was a key contributor to Ohio State’s success, finishing the season with 53 receptions for 771 yards and 4 touchdowns. His performances helped lead Ohio State to multiple Big Ten Championships and a berth in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, although the Buckeyes ultimately fell to the University of Florida.

After his collegiate career, Hartline was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played for the Dolphins from 2009 to 2014, establishing himself as a solid wide receiver in the NFL. His time in the league was characterized by his consistent route-running and ability to make tough catches. Hartline retired from professional football following the 2014 season and turned his attention toward coaching, where his impact would soon be felt at Ohio State.

Transition to Coaching

After his playing career ended, Brian Hartline decided to make the transition to coaching, returning to Ohio State in 2017. Initially, Hartline was brought on as a graduate assistant to work with the Buckeyes’ wide receivers. It didn’t take long for Ohio State’s coaching staff to recognize Hartline’s potential as a coach. His ability to break down the game, teach the fundamentals of wide receiver play, and connect with his players stood out immediately.

In 2018, after the departure of wide receivers coach Zach Smith, Hartline was promoted to the full-time wide receivers coach for Ohio State. The promotion marked the beginning of Hartline’s rise as one of the most respected assistant coaches in college football. He was tasked with developing one of the most talented receiving corps in the country, and he did so with impressive results.

Success as a Wide Receivers Coach

Under Hartline’s tutelage, Ohio State’s wide receivers quickly became one of the best units in college football. Hartline’s first season as the full-time coach in 2018 saw him lead a group of receivers that included future NFL stars like Terry McLaurin, Paris Campbell, and Johnnie Dixon. The team’s passing game flourished, with quarterback Dwayne Haskins setting multiple records and leading the Buckeyes to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl win.

Hartline’s ability to develop talent was immediately evident. He helped transform McLaurin from a player with limited production into a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and Campbell became one of the fastest and most dangerous playmakers in college football. Even more impressively, Hartline developed a reputation for getting the best out of a variety of receiver types, from the speedy deep threats to the physical possession receivers.

The 2019 season saw Hartline continue to coach up an elite receiving group, which included future NFL talent like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jameson Williams. The Buckeyes had one of the most potent offenses in the country, largely due to the performances of these wideouts, who were coached to perfection by Hartline. Quarterback Justin Fields benefited from this dynamic group, and Ohio State finished the season with one of the most explosive passing attacks in college football.

Hartline’s work in recruiting also helped solidify Ohio State’s place as one of the top programs in the nation. The Buckeyes consistently landed some of the top high school receiving prospects, and Hartline became known as one of the top recruiters in the country. His ability to develop talent, both in terms of on-field performance and player development, made him a rising star in the coaching world.

Ascension to Offensive Coordinator

In 2020, following the departure of former offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, Hartline’s role at Ohio State expanded. He was promoted to the position of co-offensive coordinator alongside Kevin Wilson, and the two coaches were tasked with leading one of the most potent offenses in college football. Hartline’s promotion was seen as a natural progression given his success as the wide receivers coach and his growing influence in the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme.

In his new role, Hartline maintained his focus on developing the passing game while also taking on a broader responsibility in game planning and offensive strategy. His understanding of the offense, his ability to innovate, and his connection with the players allowed him to seamlessly transition into the offensive coordinator role.

Under Hartline’s leadership, Ohio State’s offense continued to thrive. The team posted impressive offensive numbers, including high yardage and point totals, and remained a national contender. Hartline’s emphasis on precision passing, explosive plays, and utilizing the wide receivers’ full potential helped elevate Ohio State to the top of the college football rankings.

Coaching Philosophy and Impact

Brian Hartline’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a few key principles: attention to detail, player development, and adaptability. He believes in building strong relationships with his players and ensuring they understand the fundamentals of the game, particularly at the wide receiver position. He has a keen eye for talent and is known for his ability to identify and nurture players who may not have been highly recruited but have the potential to succeed at a high level.

Hartline is also known for his ability to adapt to the ever-changing nature of college football. Whether it’s adjusting the passing game to suit the strengths of different quarterbacks or finding ways to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses, Hartline is always looking for ways to innovate. His offensive strategies are often described as balanced, mixing a potent passing game with a powerful running attack to keep defenses guessing.

As a recruiter, Hartline has been one of Ohio State’s most valuable assets. His reputation as a former NFL wide receiver and his ability to develop players at the collegiate level has made him a highly sought-after coach by high school recruits. Hartline’s success in recruiting top-tier wide receiver talent, including players like Olave, Wilson, and Jackson Smith-Njigba, has helped Ohio State maintain its place among the elite programs in college football.

Future and Legacy

As of 2025, Brian Hartline continues to be a key figure in Ohio State’s football program. His success as the offensive coordinator and his ability to develop top-tier wide receivers have made him one of the top assistant coaches in the nation. With Ohio State consistently competing for national championships, Hartline’s influence on the team’s offense will only continue to grow.

In the future, Hartline is widely regarded as a potential head coaching candidate. His reputation as a tactician, recruiter, and developer of talent makes him a strong candidate for any major college football program that is looking to make a change at the top. For now, though, Hartline remains focused on continuing to build upon the success of Ohio State’s offense and contributing to the team’s pursuit of championships.