Ohio State is gearing up for an exciting transition in its coaching staff. As the Buckeyes look to build on their recent success, they are expected to promote wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator. This move comes as the team navigates some significant changes, particularly following Chip Kelly’s decision to return to the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Coaching Changes on the Horizon
With Kelly’s departure, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day faces the challenge of finding a new play caller. Alongside this, there are also openings for the offensive line and defensive coordinator positions. The stakes are high, especially after the Buckeyes clinched their first national championship in a decade. Who will step up to lead this powerhouse offense?
Hartline’s Impressive Track Record
Hartline has been a vital part of the Ohio State coaching staff since 2017, earning the title of wide receivers coach in 2019. His impact has been profound, as he has developed some of college football’s most talented wide receivers, including Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr.. Under his guidance, Smith had an outstanding true freshman season, racking up 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
But Hartline’s contributions extend beyond just player development. He has established himself as one of the top recruiters in the game, helping to bring in elite talent like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His ability to attract top recruits is crucial for Ohio State as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in college football.
New Faces Joining the Staff
In addition to Hartline’s anticipated promotion, Ohio State is also expected to hire Tyler Bowen, the offensive coordinator from Virginia Tech, as its next offensive line coach and run game coordinator. This dual role could be pivotal in shaping the Buckeyes’ offensive strategy moving forward. However, it remains to be seen whether Hartline or Day will take on the chief play-calling duties for the upcoming 2025 season.
Moreover, Billy Fessler is set to be named Ohio State’s quarterbacks coach. Fessler, who served as an analyst on the 2024 national title team, has spent considerable time working with quarterbacks and stepped into a recruiting role when Kelly and offensive line coach Justin Frye left for the NFL. His familiarity with the program and players could provide a seamless transition as the Buckeyes look to build on their recent success.
Offensive Performance Under Day
Last season, Ohio State showcased a top-30 offense, averaging an impressive 429.4 yards per game and scoring an average of 35.7 points. Day’s decision to bring in Kelly in 2024 allowed him to adopt a more CEO-like approach to managing the team. This strategy has proven effective, but with new coaching changes, how will the Buckeyes adapt their offensive game plan?
In 2023, Hartline held the offensive coordinator title after Kevin Wilson left for Tulsa. However, Day ultimately took over the play-calling duties, choosing not to hand the reins to Hartline at that time. As the Buckeyes prepare for the next season, fans are eager to see how these coaching shifts will impact the team’s offensive performance.
Looking Ahead to Spring
As Ohio State enters the spring season, there is much to look forward to. The Buckeyes will have a quarterback battle to sort out, but they also return several key pieces of their offense. This combination of returning talent and new coaching strategies has the potential to create an exciting atmosphere for fans and players alike.
With Hartline at the helm as offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes could continue to develop their wide receivers into some of the best in the nation. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming season is palpable, and fans are eager to see how these changes will unfold on the field.
In the world of college football, change is constant, but one thing remains clear: Ohio State is committed to maintaining its status as a powerhouse program. With a talented roster and an evolving coaching staff, the Buckeyes are poised to make waves in the upcoming season. Will they rise to the occasion and build on their recent success? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—college football fans will be watching closely.
