Eric Boggs
Buckeye Nation, we may be witnessing something special—and fleeting. Brian Hartline, once considered Ohio State’s best-kept secret, is now a nationally recognized coaching phenom, and fans are beginning to ask the uncomfortable question: how long can Ohio State hold on to him?
Since stepping into the role of wide receivers coach in 2018, Hartline has built what can only be described as an NFL pipeline at the position. Eight of his players have been drafted since 2019, six of them in the first round. Names like Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka are now household names on Sundays. Even Jamison Williams, who transferred because he couldn’t crack the rotation in Columbus, became a first-rounder. Hartline’s room has become so stacked with talent that future NFL stars often have to wait their turn just to see the field.
But Hartline’s success isn’t just in recruiting elite athletes—though he does that as well as anyone in the country. He develops them. He teaches them how to run routes with precision, block with purpose, and understand the nuances of coverages. These aren’t just five-star track stars with hands. By the time they leave Columbus, they are polished, pro-ready receivers.
And now, Hartline’s role has expanded. Following Chip Kelly’s departure, he’s taken over as Ohio State’s primary offensive coordinator and play caller. This isn’t just about wideouts anymore. This is Hartline’s offense now. Ryan Day has praised his loyalty and patience, and the Buckeyes’ leadership is doing everything they can to show Hartline that he’s valued and respected—handing him the reins of one of the most talented units in the country.
But make no mistake, Hartline’s name is on shortlists across the college and NFL landscapes. He’s already taken interviews at West Virginia, Cincinnati, and reportedly Tulsa. Media outlets and NFL insiders alike see him as a rising star. He says he’s not actively pursuing head coaching jobs, but he’s made it clear: he’ll listen. And those conversations are only going to get more frequent and more serious if his offense lights up college football this fall.
Ohio State is doing everything right to keep him. They’ve empowered him, promoted him, and invested in him. He’s being groomed for something more—perhaps even to be the next head coach in Columbus. But it’s a race against time. If Hartline crushes it in his first full year as OC, leads this offense to another College Football Playoff berth, and produces more top NFL talent, the phone is going to ring. And eventually, the right offer might be too much to turn down.
For now, Buckeye Nation should enjoy every snap, every play call, every five-star wide receiver commitment with Hartline’s fingerprints on it. Whether it’s a year or a few more, he won’t be a lifetime assistant. He’s a competitor, and he’s earned his shot. And when that day comes—whether at Ohio State or elsewhere—no one will be surprised. We saw it coming.
