Brian Hartline explains why he chose to leave the Ohio State football program

Fansided | February 6, 2026

The former offensive coordinator revealed why he decided to leave the Buckeyes this offseason.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Right before the Big Ten Championship Game, Brian Hartline decided to leave the Ohio State football program. He decided to take the head coaching job with USF after just one year as an offensive coordinator.