South Florida moved swiftly to replace Alex Golesh as head coach, reportedly landing one of the nation’s most exciting coordinators and elite recruiters.
Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is set to take over in Tampa, according to reports from CBS Sports, On3 Sports and ESPN.
Hartline, 39, joined the Buckeyes’ coaching staff in 2017 and has recruited more than a half-dozen consensus five-star prospects — highlighted by All-American Jeremiah Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie phenom Emeka Egbuka and Seattle Seahawks superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Kentucky reportedly considered Hartline for its coaching vacancy, but instead hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, a Louisville native.
Prior to his coaching career, Hartline played seven NFL seasons — six for the Miami Dolphins, and one for the Cleveland Browns. He totaled 344 career receptions, 4,766 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Golesh officially left South Florida for Auburn on Sunday, Nov. 30, after completing his third season. He guided the Bulls to a 23-15 record — 9-3 in 2025 — and a pair of bowl victories. USF controlled its destiny for an elusive American Athletic Conference title and a berth into the College Football Playoff into mid-November, but a road loss to Navy effectively ended their hopes.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: USF football reportedly hires Ohio State OC Brian Hartline as coach
Reporting by Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
