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TAMPA, FL — The University of South Florida (USF) wasted no time in replacing departed head coach Alex Golesh, announcing Wednesday the hire of Brian Hartline, the widely regarded offensive coordinator and star recruiter from No. 1 Ohio State, as the seventh head coach of the Bulls football program. The hire immediately injects championship pedigree and elite recruiting prowess into a USF program coming off a nine-win season.
USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins called Hartline their “clear-cut first choice,” citing his championship background and success at the highest levels of college football.
The Architect of “Wide Receiver U”
Hartline, 39, has spent his entire coaching career at his alma mater, Ohio State, where he built a reputation as the nation’s premier developer of wide receiver talent. His resume is unmatched:
- Elite Player Development: Hartline mentored a remarkable group of future NFL stars, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Under his watch, Ohio State became synonymous with “Wide Receiver U,” producing five first-round picks in the last three NFL drafts.
- Championship Experience: As an integral part of the Buckeyes’ staff for eight seasons, Hartline was part of eight Big Ten Championship teams and helped guide the program to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. He leaves with Ohio State holding a 37-4 record over the past three seasons.
- Top Recruiter: Hartline is consistently cited as one of the best recruiters in the sport, a skill USF hopes he can immediately translate into keeping top Florida talent home in Tampa Bay.
A Dream Realized in Florida
For Hartline, the move to Tampa Bay is a homecoming of sorts; he spent six seasons of his NFL playing career with the Miami Dolphins. He is set to sign a six-year contract with the university, taking his first-ever head coaching job.
“Becoming a first-time head coach at a place like USF is a dream come true for me and my family,” Hartline said in a statement. “I look forward to leading the team to new heights, both on and off the field.”
The USF administration is confident that Hartline’s “commitment to excellence” aligns perfectly with their vision for the program. The hope is that Hartline can capitalize on the momentum left by Golesh and continue the program’s rapid ascent, leveraging its location in one of the country’s most fertile recruiting grounds.
Note: Hartline will remain with the Buckeyes through the Big Ten Championship game this Saturday against Indiana, a commitment confirmed by Ohio State coach Ryan Day. He will be formally introduced to the USF community next week.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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