In a major shakeup to the coaching staff of the reigning national champions, sources have confirmed to ESPN that Ohio State is promoting Brian Hartline to become the program’s primary offensive coordinator and playcaller. The move comes on the heels of Chip Kelly’s departure to take over as the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator under new head coach Pete Carroll.
Hartline’s Rise Through the Buckeye Ranks
Hartline, a former Ohio State standout at wide receiver from 2006-2008, has been overseeing the Buckeyes’ loaded wide receiver room since returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 2018. He held the co-offensive coordinator title last season under Kelly as Ohio State captured their first national title in a decade.
The 36-year-old coach also served as the primary offensive coordinator in 2023, although head coach Ryan Day still handled the majority of the playcalling duties that season before ceding them to Kelly in 2024. Day is expected to maintain a CEO-style approach, allowing Hartline to take full command of the offense.
An NFL Pedigree
After a record-setting Ohio State career, Hartline was selected in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, where he would play six seasons. He spent one additional year with the Cleveland Browns before retiring and transitioning into coaching.
Developing an NFL Wide Receiver Factory
In his time overseeing the Ohio State wide receivers, Hartline has developed a reputation for churning out NFL-ready prospects. The program has produced an astonishing five first-round draft picks at the position in the last three years alone, including:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. – 4th overall pick in 2024
- Jackson Smith-Njigba – 11th overall pick in 2024
- Emeka Egbuka – 14th overall pick in 2025
- Carnell Tate – 22nd overall pick in 2025
- Xavier Johnson – 29th overall pick in 2025
“Coach Hartline just has an incredible way of getting the best out of us. He understands the game so completely as a player and coach – you can’t help but absorb that knowledge. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
– Marvin Harrison Jr., 4th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft
Reloading the Offensive Arsensal
Even with the historic NFL exodus, the cupboard is far from bare for Hartline’s receiving corps heading into 2025. Ohio State returns two bona fide superstars in Jeremiah Smith and Mylan “The Magician” Johnson, who combined for 3,245 yards and 38 touchdowns in their national title run.
The Buckeyes also welcome in two of the nation’s top high school prospects at the position in 5-star recruits Makai Curtis and Keenan Cetoute, both top-10 overall players in the class of 2025. There will be no shortage of elite playmakers for Hartline to deploy.
The Quarterback Question
Of course, the largest hole to fill will be at the quarterback position, where Ohio State must replace two-time Heisman finalist and national championship QB Connor Blumrick. The frontrunner to take over is highly-touted 5-star recruit Dylan Raiola, whose exceptional arm talent and mobility have drawn comparisons to Justin Fields.
“It’s going to be vital that we get the quarterback position right. No pressure, but that’s the key to everything. I trust Coach Hartline’s creativity to maximize whoever is throwing the rock. The scheme will put them in positions to succeed.”
– Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach
To help develop whoever emerges under center, Ohio State is promoting offensive analyst Billy Fessler to quarterbacks coach, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Fessler has been on staff for five seasons and previously worked with 2024 Heisman runner-up Kyle McCord.
Coaching Carousel Continues
Along with the promotion of Hartline, sources indicate that Ohio State will be hiring Tyler Bowen as offensive line coach. Bowen most recently served as Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator. He will be replacing Justin Frye who departed to coach the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line.
It’s a significant step up in responsibility and prestige for the 35-year-old Hartline, who will now be the primary playcaller for one of the most high-powered and heavily-scrutinized offenses in all of college football. If his impressive track record is any indication, the future remains bright for Ohio State’s offensive juggernaut with Brian Hartline at the controls. As the Buckeyes turn the page from their national championship campaign and reload for another title run, all eyes will now turn to their homegrown offensive mastermind to keep this machine humming.
