Eric Boggs
Ohio State is keeping things in-house as it looks to build on its recent success, promoting Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator for the 2025 season. Hartline is expected to take full control of play-calling duties. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reports that head coach Ryan Day, who delegated play-calling last season en route to a national championship, will continue to operate as a program CEO while entrusting Hartline to lead the Buckeyes’ offense.
Hartline is well-positioned to thrive in his expanded role being the second longest tenured coach on the staff behind Larry Johnson. He remains one of college football’s premier wide receivers coaches, having developed elite talents such as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jeremiah Smith. Hartline’s commitment to Ohio State—his alma mater—has been unwavering despite interest from other programs, making his promotion a natural fit for the Buckeyes.
Alongside Hartline’s promotion, Billy Fessler has been elevated to quarterbacks coach, filling the vacancy left by Chip Kelly. Fessler, who previously worked as an offensive analyst under Kelly, has experience coaching quarterbacks at Akron and UCLA before rejoining the Buckeyes last season. His work with Will Howard drew praise from the quarterback, and now he will be tasked with developing Ohio State’s next signal-caller, with Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair competing for the starting role in 2025.
Ohio State has also addressed a key vacancy on the offensive line, hiring Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen to replace Justin Frye. Bowen, who will also serve as the Buckeyes’ run game coordinator, brings a wealth of experience, having coached at Virginia Tech, Penn State, and in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His recruiting acumen and ability to develop offensive linemen will be crucial as Ohio State looks to maintain its dominance in the trenches.
With these moves, Ohio State’s 2025 offensive coaching staff is set, featuring Hartline leading the offense, Fessler working with quarterbacks, Carlos Locklyn coaching running backs, Keenan Bailey overseeing tight ends, and Bowen taking charge of the offensive line. The Buckeyes still need to hire a new defensive coordinator following Jim Knowles’ departure to Penn State, but the offensive side of the ball is now in place as Ohio State looks to defend its national title with a restructured staff focused on maximizing its talent and firepower.
