
“My heart beats scarlet and gray,” declared Brian Hartline, Ohio State Buckeyes’ Wide Receivers Coach and Offensive Coordinator, as he reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to his alma mater by rejecting a staggering $5.5 million offer from rival Michigan Wolverines. This bold decision underscores Hartline’s dedication to forging champions, winning national titles, and cementing Ohio State’s dominance in college football. His choice is not just a rejection of a lucrative deal but a powerful statement of his commitment to the Buckeye legacy and his vision for its future.
Hartline, a former Ohio State standout receiver from 2005-08, has deep roots in Columbus. A North Canton native, he played a pivotal role in four Big Ten championship teams and two BCS National Championship appearances during his college career. His 90 catches for 1,429 yards and 12 touchdowns as a player laid the foundation for his return to Ohio State in 2017 as a quality control coach. Since then, Hartline has risen meteorically, earning promotions to wide receivers coach in 2018, passing game coordinator in 2022, and offensive coordinator in 2023. His journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence, both as a player and now as a coach shaping the next generation of Buckeye stars.
As one of the nation’s premier wide receivers coaches, Hartline has transformed Ohio State into “Wide Receiver U.” Under his guidance, talents like Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have earned All-American honors, with Harrison Jr. securing the 2023 Biletnikoff Award and becoming the first two-time unanimous All-American receiver in Ohio State history. Hartline’s recruiting prowess is equally unmatched, landing seven five-star and 18 top-100 wide receiver prospects, including 2026’s Chris Henry Jr. and 2027’s Jamier Brown. His ability to develop NFL-ready talent—evidenced by four first-round draft picks in recent years—has solidified his reputation as a coaching superstar.
The $5.5 million offer from Michigan, a bitter rival, was a tempting proposition, reportedly aimed at luring Hartline to Ann Arbor as a head coaching candidate or high-profile coordinator. Yet, Hartline’s response was resolute: Ohio State is his home. “I love being at Ohio State. It’s well-documented,” he said in a 2024 Rose Bowl media day interview. His decision echoes earlier sentiments from 2021, when he told Eleven Warriors, “I can’t imagine leaving the guys in the room,” emphasizing his bond with his players and his commitment to their development. Hartline’s loyalty is not just emotional but strategic, as he eyes more national championships to add to Ohio State’s 2024 title, where he served as co-offensive coordinator alongside Chip Kelly.
Now, as the full-time offensive coordinator in 2025 with a $2 million salary, Hartline faces a “trial by fire,” as noted by former NFL veteran George Wrighster. With quarterback Will Howard’s departure to the NFL, Hartline must craft an explosive offense around rising sophomore Julian Sayin and receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. His experience under coaches like Mike Sherman and Chip Kelly has equipped him to blend West Coast-style passing with Ohio State’s dynamic playmaking, ensuring the Buckeyes remain a powerhouse.
Hartline’s rejection of Michigan’s offer is a testament to his belief in Ohio State’s potential to dominate college football. His heart beats scarlet and gray, and with it, he aims to forge champions, win “Natties,” and etch his name alongside the Buckeye greats, ensuring Ohio State’s reign endures for years to come.