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

Over the years, Ohio State football has become synonymous with elite talent, championship aspirations, and a dominant brand of football that strikes fear in its opponents. At the heart of this sustained excellence has been an evolving and dynamic offense. Much of the Buckeyes’ offensive success in recent years has been thanks to the leadership of one man who has become the face of the program’s offensive future: Brian Hartline.

From his humble beginnings as a player to his meteoric rise as an assistant coach, Hartline’s journey through the ranks of Ohio State football has been one of determination, growth, and an unwavering passion for developing some of the best offensive players in the country. As the current offensive coordinator for Ohio State, Hartline’s work has helped to redefine the Buckeyes’ offensive identity, blending traditional power football with modern, explosive passing schemes.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born on November 22, 1986, in the small town of Canton, Ohio, Brian Hartline was no stranger to football from a young age. Raised in a football-loving state, he played the game in high school and quickly established himself as a standout talent. Hartline’s skills as a wide receiver were evident early, and by the time he was ready for college, his athleticism and football IQ had caught the attention of several top-tier programs.

Hartline committed to Ohio State in 2005, joining the Buckeyes as part of the highly touted recruiting class of that year. As a freshman, Hartline displayed his potential, playing in 13 games and contributing to the team’s receiving corps. By his sophomore year, he had solidified his role as a key member of Ohio State’s offense, and in 2007, Hartline was an integral part of a passing attack that helped the Buckeyes win a Big Ten Championship and secure a spot in the BCS National Championship game against LSU.

Over the course of his four-year playing career at Ohio State, Hartline amassed impressive statistics, totaling 1,428 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He was known for his sharp route-running, hands, and ability to make key plays in critical moments. His legacy at Ohio State as a wide receiver was cemented by his leadership and ability to elevate the play of his teammates. After graduating in 2009, Hartline was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.

Transitioning to Coaching

Hartline’s playing career in the NFL, though productive, was relatively short, spanning from 2009 to 2015 with the Miami Dolphins and briefly with the Cleveland Browns. During this time, he garnered valuable experience, not only as a player but also as a mentor to younger teammates. Hartline’s commitment to studying the game and mastering the nuances of wide receiver play was evident, even if his professional playing days were not marked by stardom.

Upon retiring from professional football, Hartline shifted his focus toward coaching. His first opportunity came in 2017 when he joined Ohio State’s staff as a wide receivers coach under Urban Meyer. His transition from player to coach was smooth, and it was clear that Hartline’s wealth of knowledge and his passion for the game made him a natural on the sidelines. The Buckeyes’ wide receiver corps, under his tutelage, flourished immediately.

Hartline’s Impact as Wide Receivers Coach

As wide receivers coach, Hartline quickly became one of the most highly regarded position coaches in college football. In his first year, he helped develop a deep and dynamic group of wideouts that included future NFL stars such as Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell, and Johnnie Dixon. Hartline’s ability to hone in on the strengths of each player and maximize their potential was a key reason why Ohio State’s offense became one of the most potent in the nation.

What set Hartline apart as a coach was his understanding of the nuances of the position. He wasn’t simply teaching his receivers how to run routes or catch passes. He was instilling a mentality—one that emphasized mental toughness, attention to detail, and, above all, preparation. Hartline’s background as an NFL player allowed him to relate to his players in ways that few college coaches could, and he was able to translate his knowledge of the professional game into practical lessons for his players.

The results spoke for themselves. Under Hartline’s watch, Ohio State wide receivers excelled at both the collegiate and professional levels. Players who had flown under the radar early in their careers blossomed under his guidance. McLaurin, for instance, went from being an underutilized player to one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, while Campbell and Dixon also saw their careers take off after working with Hartline.

Hartline’s impact on the Buckeyes’ offense was undeniable. During his time as wide receivers coach, Ohio State’s passing game improved dramatically, and the team became known for its explosive, fast-paced offense. Hartline played a key role in developing the team’s identity as a balanced offensive juggernaut that could both run the ball with power and throw the ball with precision.

A Promotion to Offensive Coordinator

In 2020, after the departure of Kevin Wilson, who left to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Tulsa, Hartline’s meteoric rise within the coaching ranks continued. Ryan Day, who had become Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, recognized Hartline’s incredible potential and promoted him to offensive coordinator, making him one of the youngest coaches to hold that position at a major program.

This promotion was a testament to Hartline’s ability to connect with his players and his tactical brilliance on the field. His promotion also marked a significant shift in Ohio State’s offensive approach. While the Buckeyes’ offense had always been productive, Hartline’s emphasis on balance, efficiency, and innovation would take it to the next level.

As offensive coordinator, Hartline inherited a high-octane offense that was already one of the best in the country. However, he was tasked with further refining it, bringing a new level of consistency to both the passing and running games. His first year as the offensive coordinator came during a unique and difficult season, the COVID-19-impacted 2020 campaign. Despite the challenges, Hartline and the offensive staff managed to keep Ohio State’s offense humming, and the Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated.

One of Hartline’s major contributions was his ability to effectively utilize the immense talent at the wide receiver position. Ohio State has always recruited well at the position, but under Hartline’s leadership, the receivers became even more dynamic, with players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba flourishing as future NFL prospects.

Wilson and Olave became household names in college football during their time at Ohio State, and Hartline’s coaching played a large role in their development into first-round draft picks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who would later go on to break receiving records at Ohio State, also thrived under Hartline’s guidance, cementing his place as one of the top wideouts in college football.

Hartline’s offensive system focused on an up-tempo, pass-heavy attack that leveraged his receivers’ speed and athleticism. The passing game was designed not only to stretch the field but to attack every level of the defense—whether it be deep shots down the sideline or quick-hitting routes over the middle. Ohio State’s offensive line, under Hartline’s coordination, was also able to provide solid protection for the quarterbacks, which allowed the passing attack to function at its highest level.

The 2021 Season: Ohio State’s Offensive Explosion

The 2021 season was a coming-out party for Hartline’s vision. Ohio State’s offense became one of the most explosive in the country, and Hartline was at the center of it all. Led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who went on to finish as a Heisman Trophy finalist, the Buckeyes finished the season as one of the top offenses in the nation, averaging over 500 yards per game.

The trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba formed arguably the most dangerous receiving corps in college football. These three wideouts, all of whom would go on to be drafted into the NFL, helped to redefine Ohio State’s offensive identity as a pass-first juggernaut that could torch defenses at will.

Hartline’s system was perfect for a quarterback like Stroud, who excelled in a high-flying offense that demanded quick decision-making, accurate throws, and the ability to read defenses on the fly. Stroud’s success in 2021 was in part due to Hartline’s focus on building a playbook that maximized his strengths and provided him with the tools to succeed.

While Ohio State’s 2021 season ended in disappointment with a loss to Michigan in the regular season and a Rose Bowl loss to Utah, the offensive numbers were undeniable. Hartline’s offensive schemes put up historic numbers, and many observers credited his coaching for the rapid development of Stroud and the wide receivers.

The Future of Brian Hartline and Ohio State Football

As of 2022 and beyond, Brian Hartline remains a key figure in Ohio State’s future. His growth as a coach, from a wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator, has been nothing short of remarkable. Hartline is not only shaping the next generation of Buckeye stars but is also positioning Ohio State as a powerhouse in the modern college football landscape.

Hartline’s future at Ohio State seems secure, with many projecting him as the next head coach of the program one day. With his ability to recruit elite talent, his mastery of offensive football, and his ability to develop players into NFL-caliber athletes, it is clear that Hartline is one of the brightest minds in college football coaching today.